188 



IRRIGATION. 



rings in front, by which it is drawn by a team of oxen 

 or horses. See fig. 66. The common horse-shovel may 

 be used where it is available, and where considerable earth 

 is to be moved, but the plank scraper will make an effec- 

 tive leveler of the ground. The surface is to be rolled 

 and harrowed alternately and repeatedly. Upon the care 



Fig. 66. THE SOBAPEE. 



and completeness with which this work is done the after 

 value of the meadow will depend. When the surface is 

 prepared, the seed may be sown before the canals and 

 ditches are dug, lest the water should disturb the earth 

 before it is covered with grass and bound together by the 

 roots. 



When a surface already level, but without soil sufficient 

 to bear a crop of grass without help, is to be improved 

 by irrigation, the grass seed is sown after flooding, and 

 while the ground is moist, and is left until what will 

 sprout and grow has done so. The water is then turned 

 on to the surface, very gradually, and allowed to flow for 

 24 hours, when the supply is shut off, and what is upon 

 the surface is permitted to sink into the ground, or flow 

 gradually away. This is repeated, more seed being sown 

 each year, and water being let on whenever it is more 

 than usually charged with solid matter. At every water- 

 ing some deposit is left, and as the grass increases in 



