Examples in Actual Practice, 27 



of their value, and come to see the advantage of hav- 

 ing a constant supply of water at hand, and thus 

 becoming independent of the freaks of the weather in 

 this particular. 



In one instance, which was reported to the Massa- 

 chusetts Horticultural Society, in a severe drought, a 

 steam-pump was rigged, and the water of ^lystic 

 River was poured for seven days and nights upon a 

 parched field, averaging 75.000 gallons per day, or a 

 quantity equal to three inches over the entire surface, 

 at a cost, including all expenses, of perhaps ten cents 

 per 1,000 gallons. 



Somewhat later, in 188^, the present writer had six 

 acres planted with cauliflowers. This is a crop which 

 does not show the effect of dry weather until about to 

 head ; when, if there is danger of a check, the applica- 

 tion of water will cause them to go right on. That 

 year the need was urgent, and he devoted his steam- 

 pump to the work of supply — running it continuously 

 for four weeks, with two men by day and two to relie\-e 

 them at night. From these six acres he sold $3,500 

 worth of cauliflowers. If he had not irrigated them he 

 would not, probably, have realized over S 1,000 for his 

 crop. 



It will be manifest, upon reflection, that continuous 

 light waterings are not what is desired. Water cannot, 

 of course, be applied without reducing the temperature 

 of the soil verv materiallv, and thus occasionmo^, 

 for the time, a condition unfavorable to the advance 

 of the crop. This is a matter for serious considera- 

 tion, in connection with many crops, especially in a 



