RURAL ENGINEERING. 187 



In experiments on gravelly loam soil three 3-in. irrigations proved about tlie 

 riglit amount for cultivated crops, and IS in. in three applications for meadow 

 crops. Tills soil allowed ready lateral percolation and was best irrigated by 

 the furrow method. It responded most to fertilization with manure and lime, 

 while other chemical fertilizers were less effective. 



Soil-moisture experiments in southern Oregon showed a close relation exist- 

 ing beto'een soil texture and moisture content and responsiveness to irrigation, 

 light irrigations having the greatest relative effect on the moisture content. 

 The soil temperature was lowered more by irrigation than by the shading of 

 trees. There was a storage of heat in the soil near the close of the season, 

 the subsoil being cool in the spring and warm in the fall as compared with 

 the surface soil. 



It is generally concluded that irrigation to be of much value in the Willa- 

 mette Valley must be used only in a supplemental and proper way. 



Records of heavy rainfall and run-off in Porto Rico, L. V. Branch (Engin. 

 News, 11 il91Jt), No. 25, pp. 1358, 1359). — Data of the maximum run-off of the 

 principal streams in the district under development by the Porto Rico Irriga- 

 tion Service are given. 



Irrigation studies, Reyniek {Bui. Econ. Gouvt. 06n. Madagascar, 14 {1914), 

 I, No. 1, pp. 3-15). — The work and conclusions of several experimenters are 

 reviewed, particularly with reference to the relations between soil permeability 

 and water utilization. 



It is concluded that a knowledge of soil permeability is of prime importance in 

 any irrigation enterprise as the pevmeability strongly influences not only the 

 amount of water required but the choice of the method of irrigation. The 

 establishment of a table of permeabilities of different soils under different 

 conditions is suggested so that a permeability chart of an irrigated area may 

 be maintained in connection with lysimeter measurements of evaporation under 

 the crops grown, thus more rigorously regulating the use of irrigation water. 



Pumping- machinery, W. M. Schutte {Poona Agr. Col. Mag., 6 {191Jf), No. 

 1, pp. 20-25). — A comparison of power and animal methods of pumping irri- 

 gation water in Bombay shows that a saving is realized with the former method. 

 The author states that in his experience the most reliable, simple, and efficient 

 type of power for irrigation pumping is the kerosene oil engine of the 4-cycle 

 type. 



The construction, maintenance, and protection of levees, Ehlees {Bou, 

 Unterhaltung, und Verteigigung der Flussdciche. Berlin, 1914, pp. V-\-54, figs. 

 54; rev. in Engin. Bee., 69 {1914), No. 15, p. 430). — In this book a brief intro- 

 duction dealing with the various purposes and types of levees is followed by a 

 discussion of their location and height. Subdivisions follow which deal with 

 cross-sectional shape of levees, influence of character of available materials, 

 etc. As to shape, the author advocates an addition at the downstream toe of 

 a trapezoidal section. The slopes recommended are 1 on 3 on the upstream 

 and 1 on 2 on the downstream side. Other chapters deal with construction of 

 levees, summer levees, openings and culverts through levees, drainage projects, 

 protection of levees in emergencies, and repair of washouts. 



The construction of hydraulic-fill levees, D. L. Yaenell {Engin. News, 71 

 {1914), No. 24, pp. 1288-1290, figs. 5).— A description of the construction of 

 levees by pumping fill through hydraulic dredges in drainage districts in Wis- 

 consin and Illinois is given with illustrations of the works. 



Specifications [for drain tile] proposed by American Society for Testing' 

 Materials {Cement Era, 12 {1914), No. 9, pp. 56-58).— The specifications pro- 

 posed are for strength tests, quality of drain tile, and for recommended practice 

 in the design and construction of tile drains. 

 75575°— No. 2—15 7 



