272 On the importance of Irrigation, 



trees producing apples without flavour, peaches, pears, 

 and cherries, that never ripen but in the huxter's basket. 



Our city claims a decided preference, in fuel, water, 

 and many of the substantial necessaries and comforts of 

 life. Our flour, beef, pork, and poultry are equal to any 

 in the United States, if not superior : a great portion of 

 the articles furnished from our dairies and gardens are 

 excellent, but a ereat portion is of inferior quality ; the 

 supply moreover is not regular, for in the early and rainy 

 parts pf the season, the market is inundated, and so little 

 regard is paid to the quality, that many articles are sold 

 which are unripe, unsound, and unwholesome, and ought 

 not to be suffered to come into the market ; while in the 

 dry seasons, the supply is scant, and the temptation to 

 sell, with the necessity to buy is so great, as to give vent 

 to many articles which ought never to enter the door of 

 our dwellings. 



The best way to prevent inferior articles from coming 

 to market, is to promote a supply, and give a marked and 

 decided preference to those of good quality : the first 

 may be attained by improved methods, and a strict re- 

 gard to correct principles in their growth and manage- 

 ment ; the second by strict police regulations in the mar- 

 ket. 



Among the means that might be devised for improving 

 the produce of the dairy and garden, and rendering their 

 supply regular and constant, irrigation stands pre-eminent. 

 Lands may be manured, and judiciously divided, the ex- 

 act time of planting may be known, the best kind of seeds, 

 the best cattle and stock may be provided, but in a drought 

 these avail nothing : '* when the ground is parched, and 

 the clouds give no rain, the hopes of the husbandman 

 lie prostrate." 



A copious stream of pure water issuing from an eleva- 

 ted source, is of inestimable value to the farmer, if pro- 



