2O HORTICULTURE BY IRRIGATION. 



THE ASBESTINE SYSTEM. 



This method of sub-irrigation was devised in California by E. M. 

 Hamilton, and is sometimes called the "Hamilton Process." It consists 

 of pipes made of a combination of Portland cement, lime, sand and gravel, 

 laid at a depth of two feet below the surface of the ground, parallel to the 

 rows of trees or vines in an orchard or vineyard. In these pipes, on the 

 upper side, is inserted a wooden plug opposite each tree or vine, the plugs 

 having tapering holes in the center one-fourth to three-eights of an inch 

 in diameter, through which the water finds exit. Each plug is surrounded 

 by a larger stand pipe, setting loosely on top of the distributing pipe, open 

 at the bottom and reaching to the surface of the ground, for the purpose 

 of keeping the dirt away from the outlet, and rendering it accessible at 

 all times for inspection. The pipes are connected with maius leading 

 from a reservoir. The water finds its way through all the outlets, filling 

 the stand pipes, and slowly percolating to the roots of the plants. .No 

 water appears on the surface. 



The claim is made for this method, that it effects a very great saving 

 of water over the ordinary means of surface application ; that it requires 

 far less time and labor; that it may be used for the distribution of liquid 

 manure; that it does not cause the ground to bake with the heat of the 

 sun no water appearing at the surface; that no grading is , necessary ; 

 that the growth of weeds is checked ; and, finally, that it induces deep, 

 instead of shallow, rooting, as is the tendency with surface irrigation. 



The further claim is made that, by keeping the water from standing 

 on the surface of the ground, injurious deposits of alkali are avoided. 

 These points are strong, and if they can be sustained, which is by no 

 means improbable in many localities, the system is destined to great pop- 

 ularity and usefulness. In many parts of California it is giving much 

 satisfaction. 



The Australian member of parliament, Mr. Dakin, from whose report 

 we have already quoted, in commenting on this system, after a mention of 

 the fact that irrigation beneath the surface, if not excessive, is considered 

 the most perfect method of supplying water to vegetable life; because it 

 can avoid the dangers of over-saturation, surface caking, and of washing 

 out the richer elements in the soil, as well as accomplish an enormous 

 saving in water, says : " It certainly appears that sub-irrigation is the hope 

 of the most intelligent irrigators, because it promises a great economy of 



