THE CLYDE LOAM. 7 



any extensive use of land of this character was possible. Practi- 

 cally all of the smaller streams flowing through the type have been 

 straightened and enlarged or else they have been supplemented by 

 the construction of large open ditches and canals, frequently many 

 miles in length. In certain areas where the Clyde loam has been 

 extensively mapped, ditches of various sizes are found along practi- 

 cally every section line, thus existing at intervals of a mile, and not 

 infrequently main drainage lines are also dug along the quarter 

 sections. Some of these drains are only sufficiently large to remove 

 the surface waters in seasons of excessive rainfall, while others pro- 

 vide for both surface and subsoil drainage. In the latter instances 

 tile-drainage systems, constructed to relieve the marshy conditions 

 of adjoining farms, have their outlet into these open ditches at 

 varying depths below the surface. 



The construction of these extensive drainage systems has rendered 

 possible the agricultural occupation of the type, but even with the 

 installation of these improvements, some of the most important crops 

 are seriously injured during seasons of excessive rainfall, while the 

 surface soil is not infrequently baked and clodded through rapid 

 surface evaporation during periods of drought. 



Complete drainage involves a considerable expenditure of money 

 for the construction of open ditches and for the laying of tile. In 

 the large areas of the Clyde loam, which are frequently encoun- 

 tered, such improvements will be practically impossible if undertaken 

 by the individual farmer. As a consequence, State laws have been 

 enacted in many States where the type is developed which make 

 drainage a public work, under the direct charge and supervision of 

 county drainage commissioners, appointed by the local county of- 

 ficers. Under these laws the formation of drainage districts, to in- 

 clude considerable areas of land, is made possible and the cost of the 

 installation of this improvement is equably assessed against the land 

 improved in due proportion to the benefits derived. Through the 

 formation of such districts much larger areas may be drained than 

 would otherwise be possible, and the assessment cost against large 

 areas almost invariably results in a decided reduction in the cost to 

 the individual farmer. 



Of course, the cost of the installation of any particular drainage 

 system varies decidedly in the different districts which have been or- 

 ganized. The length and size of the required outlets will vary. The 

 frequency with which these outlets must be constructed and the size 

 and frequency of the tile lines all vary, even within the same drainage 

 district, giving rise to decided differences in cost for the individual 

 farm or land owner. In general, it may be said, however, that land 

 of this character may be drained at a cost ranging from $12 to $25 an 

 acre. Frequently the land itself before drainage had a valuation of 



