Convc7ticiicc of Slopes, 1 3 



sunnv side of a rise of land the soil can be worked in 

 the spring so much earlier that, by right calculation, 

 two crops a year can be grown, the first of which can 

 be planted earlier — and the second can actually be 

 harvested sooner — than the one crop raised on a 

 northern slope. 



Sloping land has still another advantage, almost 

 equally desirable with that derived from having the 

 right exposure, consisting in the facility it ajffords for 

 irrigation. If a water supply can be brought to and 

 stored in a tank, constructed on a natural elevation 

 within the area to be irrigated, the slopes of course 

 furnish the most convenient means possible for its 

 distribution to the crops. And if the location is 

 fortunately near a large pond, or unfailing brook, the 

 privilege of access to such a water supply would ver}' 

 greatly increase the real value of the land for every 

 sort of cultivation. 



It should be noticed that some ground which in its 

 native condition is quite incapable of bearing good 

 crops has yet a superior natural capacity^ that may be 

 developed by skilful handling and liberal expenditure. 

 This-is especially true of lands lying on a retentive 

 subsoil, and such lands, after some years of thorough 

 draining and deep tilth, will show admirable results. 

 In treating of drainage, we shall endeavor to make it 

 clear how such a course of culture operates to mellow 

 and warm the cold, barren soils, and bring them into 

 high condition. In fact — having a good exposure to 

 begin with — by drainage, deep tilth, generous and judi- 

 cious manuring, and irrigation as required, the most 



