IRRIGATION OF CROPS 



stream, pond, or tank), and forcing the water 

 any distance and height to a point suitable for 

 distributing it, by gravity, over the land to be 

 irrigated; or, as frequently practised, forcing it 

 through pipes to hydrants, where hose can be 

 used for further distribution. In some cases the 

 hose may run directly from the pump. It is 

 much more easily understood and managed than 

 might be supposed, owing to the simplicity and 

 compact style of its construction. It is claimed 

 to be the simplest arrangement of the kind on the 

 market, and such that any one of ordinary intel- 

 ligence can learn to operate it in half a day.* 

 The easiest and often the best way of leading 

 the water to various localities at will is by the use of 

 rubber hose; this is cheaper than pipe, which is 

 heavy, and very awkward to handle. It is often 

 found practicable to obtain rejected steam fire- 

 engine hose which, although not strong enough 

 to stand the pressure of the steam fire-engines, is 

 amply strong enough to use for irrigating. There 

 is seldom more than thirty pounds' pressure, as 

 the water is not forced, but is allowed to run 

 through the open hose. The amount of land that 



* Consult Chapter Seven. 



[27] 



