1873] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 353 



THE IMPORTANCE OF DEEP DRAINAGE. 



In a letter last month, you discussed the subject of the situation of 

 a garden ; a few words on the great importance of thorough drainage 

 may not be amiss as a sequel. Having selected your site for a garden, 

 the first thing to be attended to is the drainage. There are few spots 

 but which would be benefited by drains. There are some sharp gravels 

 indeed, but these are unfit for gardens. But whether the sail be 

 strong, even approaching clay, and requiring to be burned to make it 

 porous and workable, or whether light sand, which, if touched when 

 wet, becomes a thorough quag, or even the best friable loam, abun- 

 dant means ought to be provided for the escape of superfluous mois- 

 ture. Our present object is to enforce the great importance of deep 

 drainage — we mean, from 4 to 6 feet, according to circumstances ; 

 and as reference has been made to low-lying gardens, we would at 

 once say that any spot whose drains are likely to be choked by flood- 

 water is unfit for a garden. Proper outfalls are of first consequence, 

 with gratings for the exclusion of vermin. Great mischief is often the 

 result of rabbits getting into the mains, and not being able to get 

 out again. In all drainage works — and we have had some little 

 experience in the matter — our maxim is, the fewer mouths the better, 

 even when the area is large ; and if you have to carry your mains a 

 ' little longer, this is no detriment, and even in a garden the pipes made 

 at the present day are sufficient for all purposes, so that no barrel 

 drains are required, as they were formerly, and the expense is conse- 

 quently less. After deep drainage, whether in field or garden, follows 

 deep cultivation. Soil that has been moved retains moisture and ad- 

 mits air. Such a soil does not readily dry — does not readily drown. 

 Superfluous water is most injurious, and a parched soil is equally 

 unproductive ; therefore we say, drain deeply — the distances will be 

 determined by the nature of the soil. Cultivate deeply, especially at 

 first, and let the ground, if possible, be broken up in dry weather. 

 With deep drainage the soil works quicker after winter, or after rain. 

 Crops are earlier as the ground is warmer, fruit-trees more healthy and 

 productive, and the whole affair more satisfactory. S. X. 



HINTS FOR AMATEURS.— AUGUST. 



In the fruit-garden there will be much annoyance from the depreda- 

 tions of insects and birds. Early Plums and Cherries are among the 

 favourites of winged visitors, and, when they are not promptly covered 

 by nets, mischief is often done to such an extent that all the fruit 



