IRRIGATION OF CROPS 



a parched field, averaging 75,000 gallons per day, 

 or a quantity equal to three inches over the entire 

 surface, at a cost, including all expenses, of perhaps 

 ten cents per 1,000 gallons. 



Somewhat later, in 1884, the present writer 

 had six acres planted with cauliflowers. This 

 is a crop which does not show the effect of dry 

 weather until about to head; when, if there is 

 danger of a check, the application of water will 

 cause them to go right on. That year the need 

 was urgent, and he devoted his steam pump to 

 the work of supply running it continuously 

 for four weeks, with two men by day and two 

 to relieve them at night. From these six acres 

 he sold $3,500 worth of cauliflowers. If he had 

 not irrigated them he would not, probably, have 

 realized over $1,000 for his crop. Very many 

 similar instances might be given. 



In applying the water to a field of cabbages or 

 cauliflowers, the rows being about three and a 

 half feet apart, a plough is run between the rows, 

 so as to make a furrow for the water to run in. 

 It is a very easy matter to water a field where 

 the land is on a slope, but where it is nearly level 

 it is much more work, as the hose has to be fre- 



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