386 EXPEKIMENT STATION KECOKD. 



outfit is described, consisting essentially of a 15-in. centrifugal pump directly 

 connected to a single cylinder 30-horsepower distillate engine. The plant cost, 

 completely installed, $1,800, lias a capacity of 6,500 gal. per minute, and it is 

 claimed can irrigate about 10 acres of land in a 12-liour run. 



Automatic hydraulic pumping engine (Northwest Hort., 25 (1912), No. 5, 

 pp. 129, 130). — An improved type of hydraulic ram is described, which, it is 

 claimed, can be operated in larger units and under a larger range of conditions 

 than the old type, and develops under ordinary vrorking conditions from 75 

 to 95 per cent of efliciency. The following improvements are suggested for in- 

 suring high efficiency : A large waterway area through the valves, approxi- 

 mately equal to the area of the supply pipe, a small valve movement (maximum 

 1 in.), valves smoothly curved for easy passage of the water, close relative 

 position of waste and discharge valves, eliminating the column of dead water 

 to be started and stopped at each stroke, and the downward discharge using 

 all available head. 



Practical methods of draining irrigated lands, R. A. Hart (Nat. Land and 

 Irrig. Jour., 5 (1912), No. .}, pp. 8-11, figs. 7 ) .—Attention is called to the fre- 

 quent importance of draining irrigated lands, and the methods of construction 

 of open canal and covered tile drains applicable to the existing conditions in 

 irrigated sections are briefly outlined. Special attention is paid to covered tile 

 drains, of which 3 systems are discussed — the natural system, gridiron system, 

 and intercepting system. A number of typical examples of tile drainage of 

 irrigated lands are given, pointing out the special features. A cost of from $10 

 to $30 per acre, with an average of $15 per acre, is claimed. 



Irregular channels retard the flow of water, M. E. Bkiggs (Nat. Land and 

 Irrig. Jovr., 5 (1912), No. 5, p. 31, figs. 2). — It is pointed out that a correct 

 drainage ditch is obtained only when dug in a manner which will not disturb 

 the earth in the banks or bottom, and with sufficient berm and side slopes to 

 prevent slipping and caving of banks and waste banks when under water action. 



Tile drainage, J. A. Jeffebt (Michigan Sta. Spec. Bui. 56, pp. 45, figs. 31). — 

 This bulletin explains the working principles of tile drainage, discusses the 

 general filanning and location, with special reference to silt basins, and points 

 out the benefits of tile drainage. The use of the drainage level and of simple 

 leveling devices for establishing grades is explained and the entire procedure 

 of making and mapping the survey and of making the necessary computations 

 for a tile drainage system is outlined, with examples of notes and profiles. 

 The process of constructing a tile drain is outlined in detail. 



New York state highways (Municipal Jour., 32 (1912), No. 20, pp. 739-7^7, 

 figs. 16). — This article deals with the organization of the New York State 

 Highway Commission, road maintenance, types of road construction, and road 

 details and specifications, and discusses recent typical road construction work. 



Portland cement concrete roads, L. W. Page (Engin. Rec, 65 (1912), No. 21, 

 pp. 578, 579). — This is a paper read before the American Association of Port- 

 land Cement Manufacturers, May 9, in which general suggestions are given 

 relative to the construction of concrete roads and pavements. The advantages 

 of concrete for roads and pavements pointed out are its ability to resist shear, 

 to transmit normal pressure over a large area of subgrade, and to act as an 

 arch to sustain normal pressure. 



The storage of Portland cement (Irrig. Age, 27 (1912), No. 6, pp. 215, 216, 

 figs. 2). — Attention is called to the importance of carefully storing Portland 

 cement for protection against moisture, and methods of construction of tem- 

 porary aud permanent storage buildings are briefly outlined. 



