THOROUGH DRAINAGE. 



It is now generally admitted that draining holds 

 the first place among mechanical methods for effecting 

 those changes upon the soil by which it is made more 

 productive. No soils can be injured by its judicious 

 application, but all may be benefited to a certain 

 extent. It is useful even in sandy soils, and where 

 the subsoil is light and porous ; while in clay lands, 

 and in all cases where stagnant water rests near the 

 surface, it is very important if not indispensable. It 

 is a necessary preparation for other agricultural oper- 

 ations, and, when once thoroughly done, it constitutes 

 a most important, permanent, and yearly increasing 

 improvement, which can be fully produced by no 

 other available means. 



A few of the many advantages that result from 

 this process, and which experience has fully proved, 

 are as follows : 



The drains not only take off all surplus water at 

 once, — which is an immediate and remunerative 

 benefit, — but they have also begun a process of 

 change and amelioration of the soil, which is gradually 

 deepened, until nearly on a level with the drains. 



