216 LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 



UNDER-DRAINING. 



In under-draining, the tile should have a firm bottom and 

 be placed below frost. I have used boards when I could not 

 get deep enough for tile, and also in peaty soil. Some advocate 

 placing a board under tile, when the earth is too soft for a firm 

 foundation ; but I prefer a tube made wholly of boards. This 

 will certainly last as long, and has the advantage of being 

 much cheaper. When the boards rot from under the tile, the 

 foundation is gone. When soft or sandy streaks are met with 

 in clay ground, I prefer to ram in clay and make a firm bottom. 

 By digging the ditch a little deeper, a good bottom can easily be 

 made, and generally requires but little clay. 



Six years ago I laid considerable tile with boards, and they 

 have done good service. Tile cost here then thirty dollars per 

 thousand. I have some made square ( n ) of four inch strips; 

 some V shaped of six inch strips, and some of two pieces 

 three. inches and two four inches ( D )• For three inch strips I 

 have fencing split in two. In nailing it is a good plan to place 

 a stiver between the boards to secure free entrance of the 

 water. The crack should not be more than one-fourth of an 

 inch wide and this only on the bottom. I have never had any 

 trouble from filling. I always use tile when it can be safely 

 employed. I mention boards, because there are places where 

 tile can not be used, and open draining is inconvenient. If 

 there is water in the bottom, any man handy with a spade and 

 draw scoop can make the bottom all right. When there is no 

 water when digging, first dig the ditch, then draw some water 

 and empty in at the upper end, and the uneven places can be 

 easily discovered and remedied. Where stone is plenty, I dig 

 a small hole two to three feet below the drain, and fill with 

 stone to about one foot above the drain covering with dirt. I 

 always make a foundation at the outlet. If stone is not to be 

 had, use a board and replace with another before the first one 

 rots. Draining will pay a larger per cent, on most farms than 

 any other improvement that can be made. I have had some 

 excellent crops of hay, oats, and corn, where ten years ago 

 were frog-ponds and muskrat houses. 



