IRRIGATION 313 



Potatoes. A thorough soaking of the land before plant- 

 ing, and then no more than is absolutely necessary until 

 blossoming time. After the blossoms appear keep the soil 

 moist until the crop ripens. 



Garden crops. Any method may be employed, but the 

 vital point is to cultivate the ground as early as it can be 

 worked after being irrigated. 



Meadows and alfalfa. Flooding is the most common 

 method in use. The first irrigation comes early in the 

 spring before growth has much advanced, and then after 

 a crop has been harvested. 



