ARID AGRICULTURE. 11 7 



Sometimes matched lumber is used, but as this 

 is expensive, it is usually more economical to use 

 rough, but straight lumber and calk the joints 

 with cotton-waste and tar, or with oakum. If 

 the boards fit closely when dry, the swelling of 

 the wood, when water is run in it, should still 

 further close up any cracks. Some of the patent 

 metal flumes are found advantageous as they re- 

 quire less attention to prevent leakage than the 

 wooden ones and also present a better appear- 

 ance. They cost considerably more in the be- 

 ginning, but if they are kept painted they will 

 last almost indefinitely. 



THE FARM Where many laterals are to be run or contour 



furrows or checks are to be made, it will often be 

 found advisable for the farmer to get a cheap 

 level with which to survey them. Anyone can 

 learn to use these instruments without much dif- 

 ficulty. It will save considerable expense for 

 surveyor's fees. As the instrument is used only 

 at intervals, several farmers can buy one together 

 and get sufficient use of it to pay them well. It 

 is also a very useful instrument for locating 

 main laterals and drain ditches and in leveling 

 land, grading terraces, or for a number of uses 

 that come up on the farm. 



