312 



AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



such as have a full supply of roots ; and though they some- 

 times omit going to distant and inconvenient places where 

 it is to be had, they may, nevertheless, suffer materially for 

 the want of it. When it is not possible to bring water 

 into the yard from a spring, or by means of a water ram, 

 or it is not easily reached by digging, an effectual Avay of 

 procuring a supply through most of the year is by the con- 

 struction of 



Cisterns. Where there is a compact clay, no further pre- 

 paration is necessary for stock purposes, than to excavate the 

 cistern of a sufficient size and depth ; and to keep up the 

 banks on every side, place two frames of single joist around 

 it, near the top and bottom, between which and the banks, 

 heavy boards or plank may be set in an upright position. 

 The earth keeps them in place on one side, and the joist 

 prevents their falling. They require to be only tight enough 

 to keep the clay from washing in, as no appreciable quan- 

 tity of water will escape from the sides or bottom. I have 

 used such for years, without repairs or any material waste 

 of water. They should be made near the buildings ; and 

 the rains carefully conducted to them by the eaves-troughs 

 and pipes from an extensive range, will afford an ample 

 supply. 



For household purposes, one should be made with -more 



care and expense, and so 

 constructed as to afford 

 pure filtered water at all 

 times. These may be 

 formed in various ways, 

 and of different materials, 

 stone, brick, or even 

 wood; though the two 

 former are preferable. 

 They should be perma- 

 nently divided into two 

 apartments, one to re- 

 ceive the water, and an- 

 F IG . 104. other for a reservoir to 



contain such as is ready for use. Alternate layers of gravel, 

 sand, and charcoal at the bottom of the first, and sand and 

 gravel in the last, are sufficient ; the water being allowed to 

 pass through the several layers mentioned, will be rendered 

 perfectly free from all impurities. Some who are particu- 

 larly choice in preparing water, make use of filtering stones, 

 but this is not essential. Occasional cleaning may be ne- 



