THE DRAINAGE OF THE FARM. 471 



PRACTICAL BENEFITS DUE TO LAND DRAINAGE. 



Let us summarise the foregoing with a few notes for more convenient 

 reference : 



It has been shown that, so far from robbing the soil of that indispen- 

 sable substance, water, the benefit of drainage is due to the complete reali- 

 alization of the rainfall. The practical advantages which naturally 

 spring out of the explanations already given will be almost antici- 

 pated. Taking the case of a soil in which the stagnant condition of 

 the water has been converted into a condition of movement, it will be 

 found that the following substantial advantages are reaped. 



1. -4?i earlier Harvest. In some cases drainage has made a difference 

 of a fortnight in the ripening of crops. An early harvest is certainly an 

 advantage, especially in the northern districts, where a late harvest is apt 

 to be interrupted by bad weather, and I am sure that the season of 1883 in 

 Ontario will mark an era in drainage operations, because much rain com- 

 pletely prevented cropping on undrained farms, while those adjoining that 

 were underdrained and comparatively unharmed. An early harvest also 

 gives facilities for autumn cultivation. 



2. A more abundant Harvest. This is a general result of land drainage. 

 In some cases the entire yield may be said to be due to the operation. 

 Where ordinary tillage lands have been well drained, the advantage has, 

 in many cases, been estimated at 8 bushels of wheat per acre. 



3. A better quality of Produce, A more wholesome condition of soil 

 naturally causes a more perfect development of the plant. Thus Ion. 



w and better filled ears are only what might be expected. The plant 

 is better able to resist the insidious attacks of disease, and does not so 

 readily fall a victim to mildew, rust, and other fungoid attacks, commonly 

 known as " Mii;) 



4. A (jreatt'i- t'<iriffy of Crops. On. undrained soils, and especially on 



6 tanner rarely ventures upon sowing a large variety of crops. 

 II. i- < -ompi -llecl to allow a proportion of his land to lie idle as " bare 

 fallow." A t ough drainage, the same land may be made to grow a 



much larger variety of cultivated plants, such aa roots, besides the cereals. 

 and a much 1.. tier and surer plant of clover. It must not,'however, be 

 ,"_dit tha' the character of the land is entirely changed by drainage. 



an<l improve-l ; hut a clay soil will always he critical to ni 

 age even aft.-r thorough drainage, and the degree of improvement will be 

 ery vari 



