44 THE HANDBOOK FOR PRACTICAL FARMERS 



accurately grade at one operation, and place the excavated earth 

 in a convenient pile at one side of the trench, where it may be 

 returned readily after the tile are placed in position. 



The contract system. — As a result of the shortage in labor 

 in recent years, drainage is coming more and more to a con- 

 tract basis, under which arrangement the tools in groups two 

 and three, especially the latter, together with skilled operators, 

 are employed. In fact, the art of drainage is becoming more 

 and more an expert contracting proposition, and rightly so, 

 as we believe this is the better method of handling large drainage 

 operations. 



Tools for ditching. 



1 and 2. Ditching spades for removing the major part of the earth from 

 the ditch. 



3. Grading scoop used to finish the bottom of the ditch and the grade. 



4. Skeleton spade adapted for use in very plastic soil. 



5. Shovel for removing crumbs and loose earth. 



6. Hook used to place tile in deep, narrow trenches. 



7. Pick for loosening stone and hard earth. 



— 'New York State College of Agriculture. 



Drainage a business proposition. — Land drainage is a busi- 

 ness proposition just like a roof on a factory or a drain in the 

 cellar. It makes possible the more complete use of the poten- 

 tial resources of the farm and increases the product. If it is 

 wisely installed, it is a first class business investment and though 

 it is costly, like every other type of construction, it should be 

 regarded as an investment and not merely a short time invest- 

 ment, but a long time investment that, if well made, will con- 

 tinue to return dividends by the decade and the century, rather 



