State Agricultural Society. 471 



BLIND DITCHES. 



There are a very few farms, even in this State, that would not be 

 greatly improved by a proper system of drainage. Every sinkhole 

 where the water settles and stands until taken up by evaporation would 

 be greatly improved if it could he drained. Many of these low places 

 have become what we call "alkali spots." The soil lias become com- 

 pact and clammy, and hence dead and unproductive. It wants some- 

 thing to enliven it up and reclaim it. Such spots generally possess a 

 greater amount of the fertilizing elements than any other land about 

 them. These elements have been collected there by the water, but at 

 the same time the water has concentrated too much of other ingredients, 

 and thus rendered the fertilizing qualities dormant. 



The blind ditch is the most effectual way to accomplish both these 

 objects. Where stone is plenty they are generally used to make these 

 ditches — sometimes tiles and lumber. In this country, especially in the 

 great agricultural districts, stones are scarce and lumber and tiles are 

 too expensive. 



A very good substitute for these materials is common oak brush, or 

 any other kind of brush that will lay up light and last well under 

 ground. Let the ditch be dug to the proper depth and of the proper 

 size, then throw in the brush and settle it down well. Then cover with 

 straw or weeds to prevent the dirt from falling into the crevices too 

 much. This being done, cover over with dirt. 



We have seeij ditches made in this way answer equally as well and 

 fully as effective as those made with stone. Being entirely under 

 ground, the brush will not decay to do any harm for many years. 



