82 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



of so much permanent value, or to add so much to the produc- 

 tiveness of our farms, as thorough drainage, we would earnestly 

 commend it to the consideration of every farmer. 



The disappointments and losses occasioned by the peculiar 

 character of the past season, give additional force to our own 

 impressions of the importance and utility of drainage upon most 

 tillage and grass lands. Had the coldness of the atmosphere 

 been but partially compensated by the earlier cultivation and 

 heightened temperature of the soil, which thorough drainage 

 would have occasioned, — especially, if vegetation had been stimu- 

 lated by a moderate use of guano, — we believe that more than 

 half the grain now lost in this county, would have been saved. 



The question may be asked, How does this thorough drain- 

 age ameliorate and warm the soil ? We answer, by removing 

 all superfluous moisture ; preventing the escape of heat by slow 

 evaporation of moisture, and rendering the soil porous and 

 more susceptible to the influences of the sun and air. The 

 rains and-dews, with stores of ammonia and carbon, penetrate 

 more readily a soil freed from stagnant and noxious waters, 

 and leave their fertilizing properties in the earth, which 

 immediately absorbs them, to nourish the growing plant. The 

 beneficial effect of thorough drainage is said to have been 

 illustrated by an agriculturist in France, in a simple man- 

 ner, which brings it at once to the comprehension of every 

 mind. " Take," said he, " this flower-pot. What is the 

 meaning of this small hole, at the bottom ? To renew the 

 water. And why to renew the water ? Because it gives life 

 or gives death ; — life, when it is made to pass through the bed 

 of the earth ; for it leaves with the earth its productive princi- 

 ples and renders soluble the nutritious properties destined to 

 nourish the plants ; death, on the other hand, when it remains 

 in the pot, for it soon becomes putrid and rots the roots, and 

 also prevents new water from penetrating." 



In connection with thorough drainage for the earlier cultiva- 

 tion and maturity of the crops, we had intended to present for 

 consideration the deep ploughing which should follow it ; and 

 the nature and application of the manures best suited to aid in 

 producing its beneficial results. But the limits to which we 

 are obliged to confine ourselves, forbid our entering upon these 

 topics. We cannot, however, forbear to suggest the importance 



