LITTLE GARDENS 



in respect of artificial drainage in a yard, because 

 it is just like the folks next door to complain, if 

 you pipe your rain and melted snow into their 

 premises. Nor is it usually so wet in the East 

 as to require the services of an engineer in lay- 

 ing out a yard. So long as rain-water or thawed 

 ice do not lie in pools on the surface, there is no 

 occasion to trouble yourself about this matter. 

 If your yard has a solid rock foundation at a 

 depth of only a few feet, or if it is stiff and 

 clayey and sheds moisture, then it will probably 

 be necessary to have in an expert. Your veg- 

 etable is a thirsty creature, and commonly your 

 yard will not only drink all that the heavens pro- 

 vide, but will ask an occasional showering at 

 your hands, but this supposes that it is growing in 

 a light and fertile soil; not in one that is covered 

 by stagnant puddles for days after a shower. 

 Beware of these puddles. Mosquitoes breed in 

 them, and mosquitoes carry malaria. If the soil 

 is stiff it is easily possible to give a wee slant to 

 the surface of the yard, trenching it slightly at 

 the center, or at one side, or toward a far corner, 

 and where the water is deepest to install a con- 

 nection with the drainage system of the house, 



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