470 Transactions of the 



and "watercourses, there are extensive tracts of these soils that in their 

 natural state produce nothing valuable, which might be made eminently 

 productive, as advantageously to the health of the people living in the 

 immediate vicinity as to the pecuniary profit of the owners of such lands. 

 We will admit that these soils have in their composition all the elements 

 necessary for the growth of the fine grasses, vegetables, and cereal 

 grains, and if the nature of the soil "was the only circumstance to be 

 taken into consideration, the whole subject would be greatly simplified 

 and easy of solution; but the asjiect and elevation of the land are quite 

 as much concerned in every question connected with the subject. The 

 character of the soil in its native state is such that it not only retains 

 the water stagnant upon its surface, but it is impervious to the roots of 

 plunts, especially of those plants which send their roots downward in 

 search of nourishment; it is likewise extremely difficult to work in wet 

 weather, being sunburnt and hard, and when turned up with the plow, 

 remaining in large and unmanageable clods. 



The first step in the progress of reclamation should be drainage by 

 ditches. A good rule would be to make the drains of sufficient depth to 

 take away all the water completely as low as three feet. It is impos- 

 sible to lay down rules applicable to all places, or the distances the 

 drains should be made from each other, so much must depend upon the 

 quantity of water to be removed during the rainy season and the descent 

 or fall to carry it off. These are matters left to the intelligent culti- 

 vator, consequent upon, circumstances. 



Without drainage, these soils can rarely be plowed and worked prop- 

 perly as earlj T as they ought. An excess of water in the soil renders it 

 very difficult and often impossible to work, prevents the access of the 

 air, and reduces the temperature of the soil. Under-draining may well 

 be called a shorthand way of virtually subsoiling, or plowing the ground 

 three feet deep instead often inches or less; for by reducing the general 

 water level in the soil, especially if inclined to be wet, it increases its 

 power both of attraction and absorption, such as very deep plowing 

 would do. There is no branch of agricultural industry that will do so 

 much towards a solution of this question, and I am satisfied the result 

 will be in the highest degree valuable and important. 



The question whether the drainage and reclamation of these soils will 

 pay involves a variety of considerations, and some of a strictly local 

 character, and which must be considered by those who propose to under- 

 take it. There are considerations connected with this subject Avhich are 

 not to be measured by a pecuniary standard — I mean, for example, such 

 as refer to the health of the locality. The miasma and dampness arising 

 from these soils in their natural state are a prolific source of ill health 

 and sickness, such as fever and ague, and consumption. The cost of 

 reclamation may in some instances be more than the land is worth after 

 being reclaimed, or it may be quite equal to its value; but if it be worth 

 nothing in its original condition the operation may be considered as an 

 actual purchase of the land. The useful employment of one's capital 

 and labor, together with the real satisfaction which one finds in having 

 accomplished a good work, ma} r operate as a strong inducement to such 

 an undertaiving. 



The next move toward reclaiming these lands is deep plowing and 

 thorough and careful cultivation, with the free use of the best fertilizers 

 that can be procured. In other words, to keep the soil in the best pos- 

 sible condition for the absorption of heat, moisture, gases, and fluids 

 indispensable to vegetable life from the sun and atmosphere above, and 



