30 



LAND DRAINAGE 



pacted and dries more quickly than the unpuddled soil. 

 In the field this puddling interferes (1) with the further 



ft 



FIG. 8. A mass of sandy loam formed under pressure of the hand 

 and held in shape by capillary moisture. The capillary condition is 

 ideal, as is proved in Fig. 9. 



proper preparation of the seed-bed, (2) with proper plant- 

 ing of seed, (3) with germination, and (4) with root 



FIG. 9. Same soil as shown in Fig. 8, but after a slight pressure of 

 the ringers was applied. The soil has crumbled to a mellow mass. 



development. The bad effects of a single plowing in over- 

 wet soil may sometimes be apparent for several years 

 following. 



