WATER IN AGRICULTURE. 179 



country, that the stock upon farms was furnished 

 with water conveyed through lead pipes from lakes 

 and mountain springs, while the family with com- 

 mendable caution drew their supplies from other 

 and safer sources. Many a fine animal has been 

 lost to its owner through the agency of lead poison, 

 and I trust the hint given will not pass unheeded. 

 Iron pipes for the conveyance of water are cheap 

 and safe under all possible conditions, and if those 

 of the capacity of one or two inches are used, they 

 will not soon become obstructed with rust. Never 

 employ what is known as " galvanized " iron pipe, 

 as it is exceedingly dangerous during the first two 

 or three months of service. The superficial cover- 

 ing of zinc upon its surface is rapidly decomposed, 

 and the carbonate and oxide are held in solution or 

 suspension in the water. The salts are hurtful and 

 must not be allowed to mingle with the food and 

 drink. 



The vast importance of the solvent power of 

 water will be appreciated when it is understood 

 that it is due to this that all plant structures are 

 able to grow. The aqueous fluid which slowly but 

 constantly during the life of the plant creeps up 

 from the roots, passing through every microscopic 

 cell 'and fibre, carries along in its current the little 

 atoms of inorganic substances which are so essential 

 to its development. The stream floats not only a 



