41)8 KKI'nlM" OK OFFK^K OK KX I'KRIM KNT STATIONS. 



experiment stntions and llie use of tlieii- e(|irn)inent at a very small 

 expense and will secui'e uniloi'mify in the lines of work laken up. 

 Acldinj^ to tins the ohserxations of our own aj^'ents Mill make possible 

 the j)nl)lication of a series of hulh'tins on the })raetieal operations of 

 irrii,''ati()n farmiiit,'- wliicli will })C of very great value to our farmers 

 and to our a«(rieultural schools which arc now hanij)ered hv the lack 

 of text-books on sueh subjects. As the countiv becomes more, thickly 

 settled aj^ricultural prog-ress will be more and more limited to improve- 

 ments in methods, and this Office is doinj^ Avhat it can to promote this 

 means of progress. 



The following are the subjects suggested to be taken up by the sta- 

 tions in the arid region: 



(1) Measuring water. 



(2) Losses from seepage. 



(3) Removing grass and aquatic plants from canals and ditches. 



(4r) Employing cement and concrete in the place of wood in farm 

 structures, such as watering troughs, feed boxes, water pipes, irriga- 

 tion Humes, and the lining of canals. 



(5) Measurements of the rise of ground water in the soil. 



(6) Construction of small reservoirs. 



(7) Construction and operation of open drains now in use in irrigation. 



(8) Construction and operation of underdrains now in use in irriga- 

 tion districts. 



(U) Methods of laying out and constructing checks or compartments. 



(10) Inquiries regarding certain (dasses of farm machinery in general 

 use, with a view to determining what problems farmers meet in their 

 use and in what directions studies may be reipiired for their improve- 

 ment. The relative efficiency of Avindmills and gas engines in pump- 

 ing and in supplying power for other kinds of farm work, the problems 

 connected with the use of traction engines in general fann work, and 

 the relative merits of disk and moldboard plows, are examples of 

 special incjuiries in this field. 



Another list was suggested for the humid States, as follows: 



(1) Eniplo3'ing cement and concrete in the place of wood in farm 

 structures, such as watering troughs, feed boxes, and water pipes. 



(2) The use of tile drains to prevent the erosion of hillsides. 



(3) Methods of terracing hillsides. 



(4) Construction of small reservoirs. 



(5) Cranberrj^ irrigation. 



(6) Irrigating market gardens. 



(7) Irrigating rice. 



(8) The relative efficienc}^ and cost of iron, canvas, wood, vitrified 

 pipe, and cement as a material for conduits for carrying water for 

 irrigation and other farm purposes. 



