MISCELLANEOUS INF0KMA1I0N. . 681 



Indeed we are convinced that the farmer cannot afford to dis- 

 miss his hands in the fall. This practice leaves work undone that 

 should be performed before the spring season opens, in order that 

 the best advantage may be taken of tlic first days of good weatlier 

 for getting in oats, spring wheat, and barley. When the winter 

 has been devoted to rest and the " chores," there is such a rush of 

 every thing to be done that much is lost by being behindhand with 

 every thing. 



We hope that all employers will take these hints into serious 

 consideration, and trace out the arjrumeut at length, which we 

 have not now time or space to complete. Even if nothing could 

 be made out of hired help in the winter, moral considerations de- 

 mand provision for the men the year round. But there is no doubt 

 on the subject of proiit out of such labor. Those who ha "e intel- 

 ligence ought to act on elevated principles, and have some regard 

 for the welfare of otliers ; they can make it paj', because intelli- 

 gence is the capital that always yields a profit. 



How TO OBTAIN W'aTER ON THE PRAIRIES. DrIVE WeLLS.- -In 



many instances these have given great satisfaction, in others par 

 tial, and in others have proved a failure. It is certain that these 

 results are accidental ; the mere subjects of chance. 



While we have a high opinion of the value of this sj^stem of ob- 

 taining water, we have some suggestions to make on the mode of 

 putting it into practice. In the first place these pumps have been 

 mostly in the hands of what are known as pump peddlers, who 

 have charged enormous prices for putting in the pumi)s ; though 

 always, to their credit, ready to warrant a supply of watei', and, so 

 far as we know, have carried ou.t their contracts faithfully. Lut 

 the high price charged has been ample to protect them against loss. 

 In one extreme case that has come under our ol)servation, the pipe 

 was driven down into the band of blue clay to the depth of one 

 hundred feet, without reaching water, when the pipes could neithei 

 be driven down nor withdrawn, and the whole proved a loss to tht 

 contractors. Some persons have taken the precaution to bore a 

 hole of the size of the pipe and projecting bands. This is cheaply 

 done by welding a two inch, or what is better, a two and a half 

 inch auger to a common square three-fourth inch rod. An irou 

 handle of sixteen inches, with a square hole punched in the centre, 

 a trifle larger than the rod, so that it can be made to slide up oi 

 down readily, will enable one to stand at the surface to turn it. 

 When the auger has been bored down to the top of the rod, say 

 six inches, it must be withdrawn. This is done by taking hold of 

 one end of this handle, which by pressure against the sitles of the 

 rod prevents it slipping, and it can be drawn out, when not at a 

 very great depth. Additional lengths can be welded to the rod as 

 desired, or the rod can be put together by cap joints similar to 

 those in the pipes, always, however, with a ke}- to prevent uncou- 

 pling when under the necessity of turning it back. With this 



