118G Xew York State Agricultural Society 



experts on a commercial basis who might be employed by indi- 

 viduals to make drainage surveys and plans and perhaps supervise 

 construction. Such men would be paid entirely by the person 

 employing them. These are coming and two or three are already 

 doing business in the state. 



On the other hand, there is need for further investigation and 

 education along the lines of land drainage for agricultural pur- 

 poses. This means a study of the relation of ditferent soils to 

 the need for drainage, the extent and location of such soils, 

 methods of drainage, drainage coefficient, the permanency of 

 established drains, study by surveys of the benefits to be expected 

 from drainage as a business matter, and finally in connection with 

 these investigational matters there may well be the provision of 

 an advisory or educational agency to guide communities in se- 

 curing the maximum benefits from all these legal and technical 

 provisions. The University of Wisconsin maintains in connection 

 with her College of Agriculture, members of the staff to fulfill 

 these public investigational and advisory functions. The United 

 States Department of Agriculture gives a limited amount of 

 similar aid, although we believe it is better given from some more 

 local source. 



Summary. — In conclusion then, it may be said that: 



1. The public benefit to be derived from land drainage war- 

 rants the provision of the legal machinery which the state has 

 made. 



2. This machinery seems adequate to meet the situation so far 

 as it can be done within the established rights of the individual. 



3. These j^rovisions are less complicated and expensive than 

 many persons believe, and often need not be carried entirely 

 through. 



4. There is urgent need of an authoritative ruling on the right 

 of assessment against land where easement is gained by con- 

 demnation. 



5. There is already some recognition of drainage as a public 

 benefit and some public financial aid is given thereto. 



6. It is an open question whether that public benefit is sufficient 

 to warrant the extension of the same privilege to single indi- 

 viduals that is now extended to them collectively. 



