PREPARATION OF SOIL BY DRAINAGE. 79 



our grounds. If these channels are obstructed or inade- 

 quate, we find our land falling into the ways of an old 

 soaker. 



It should here be stated, however, that if we could cause 

 streams to overflow our land in a shallow, sluggish current, 

 so that a sediment would be left on the surface after a 

 speedy subsidence, the result would be in miniature like the 

 overflow of the Nile in Egypt, most beneficial, that is, if 

 means for thorough subsequent drainage was provided. 



If there is an abundance of stone on one's place suitable 

 for the construction of drains, they can often be used to ad- 

 vantage, as I shall show; but for all ordinary purposes of 

 drainage, round tile with collars are now recommended by 

 the best authorities. It is said that they are cheaper than 

 stone, even where the latter is right at hand ; and the claim 

 is reasonable, since, instead of the wide ditch required by 

 stone, a narrow cut wiU suffice for tile ; thus a great saving 

 is at once effected in the cost of digging. Tile also can be 

 laid rapidly, and is not liable to become obstructed if prop- 

 erly protected at points of discharge by gratings, so that 

 vermin cannot enter. They should not be laid near willow, 

 elm, and other trees of like character, or else the fibrous 

 roots will penetrate and fill the channel. If one has a large 

 problem of drainage to solve, he should carefully read a 

 work like Geo. E. Waring's " Draining for Profit and for 

 Health ; " and if the slope or fall of some fields is very 

 slight, say scarcely one foot in a hundred, the services of an 

 engineer should be employed, ^nd accurate grades obtained. 

 By a well-planned system, the cost of draining a place can 

 be greatly reduced, and the water made very useful. 



On my place at Cornwall I found three acres of wet land, 

 each in turn illustrating one of the causes which make 

 drainage necessary. I used stone, because, in som.e in- 



