BY OPEN OR COVERED DRAINS. 257 



In draining a portion of ground for planting or other purpose, a 

 great variety of soils may be found within a small area, recpairing the 

 drains to he made of various depths, and at different distances. For 

 example, in 1872-3, thirty acres of land to he planted varied so much, 

 both in the nature of the soil and in its wetness, that in some parts 

 drains 2 feet deep were cut at distances varying from 24 to 40 feet, and 

 a portion did not require any draining at all. The drains were all 40 

 inches wide at top and G inches at bottom, and the soil well spread 

 back between the drains ; and although the subsoil was in many cases 

 of a tenacious nature, the result of the draining has in every way 

 proved satisfactory, as on the most wet and level parts the ground 

 has become firm and dry. It may also be mentioned that the ground 

 had been deeply ploughed in preparation for the planting, which 

 materially assisted in producing the successful result. Indeed, it 

 will invariably be found that stirring or loosening the soil, either by 

 trenching or ploughing, is an essential preliminary operation, and 

 gives the drains a better chance of producing an early effect than 

 would result from draining alone. 



The beneficial effect of drainage of wet and cold land upon the 

 health of plants is sometimes seen in a striking manner when per- 

 formed some time after trees have been planted. An instance of this 

 was observed by me four years ago. A plantation, consisting of Scots 

 iir, larch, and spruce, had been made some years previously; the 

 ground had been sown with gorse as a cover and for shelter, the 

 position being very exposed. The gorse in some parts grew only a 

 little, while in other parts it never made its appearance, and the 

 trees over the whole space made small progress. The spruce had 

 assumed a yellowish-green colour, and the larch was covered with 

 a superfluity of cones, two unmistakeable signs of disease and pre- 

 mature decay, caused by unsuitable soil and excess of moisture. 

 Only a few cross or oblicpie drains had been made at the time of 

 planting, and these were placed about 30 yards apart, and were 15 

 inches deep. With the view of improving the growth and appear- 

 ance of the plantation, by rendering the soil more suitable for the 

 trees, it was all thoroughly drained to 'a depth of 2 feet, the drains 

 running parallel with the natural slope of the ground, and 24 feet 

 apart. In casting the drains it was seen that the first foot would 

 be of little use in drying the ground, as much water was below, but 

 the second foot had the desired effect; a great quantity of water 

 flowed off in a short time after the drains were cut to that depth. 

 The subsoil was of a hard gravelly clay, with numerous large stones, 



