38 HENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 



crop as well in a wet season as in a dry. Another advantage 

 in tile drainage, besides the increase in the production of crops, 

 is the convenience with which a field can be cultivated. In 

 these days of sulky plows, check rowers and two horse culti- 

 vators, much time is saved in being able to go the full length 

 of the field at every turning. In fact, where a wet ravine 

 runs diagonally across a field, I consider that a tile drain will 

 well pay, in two years, all expenses of construction. I liave used 

 tile varying in size from three to six inches. The three and 

 four inch sizes are mostly used in this region. Where the fall 

 and outlet are sufficient, the tile should be placed about three 

 feet below the surface. The cost of putting in a four inch 

 drain, including price of tile at factory, is about fifty cents a 

 rod, varying according to condition of soil and manner of 

 doing the work. 



Land in this part of the country is worth from fifty to 

 seventy-five dollars per acre. We are near markets, and are 

 well supplied with schools and teachers. The climate is 

 healthy, the land high and dry, and we are pretty sure of a 

 fair-crop every season. In my opinion, but very little better 

 farming country can be found elsewhere, or one occupied by a 

 more intelligent and enterprising class of citizens. 



