ON DRAINING. 



9^. 



It will be observed tliat I have not introduced to your 

 notice any otlier kind of drain-tile tlian pipes, and because I 

 consider them to have the preference over every other de- 

 scription of drain-tiles, and for the following- reasons : — 



1st, Because the pipe is an entire conduit in itself, stronger 

 than any other form, and cajjable of being- centred and 

 connected by collars, or of having- one pipe sheathed within 

 another. 



2nd, Because the pi})e requires less substance of material 

 for a g-iveu streng-th than any other form into which clay can 

 be put. 



3rd, Because the c-arriage is lighter both to the field, and 

 in the field ; a g-reat convenience and economy to the farmer 

 and the drainer. 



4th, Because, from their form, when properly laid in the 

 soil, pipes are subject to less derang-ement from external 

 pressure, or the entrance of earth or vermin, than other 

 forms of drain-tile heretofore in use. 



Much has been said and written about the porousness of 

 pipes as an useful property. I do not see any reason to 

 suppose that the ]Mpe possesses anj^ g-reater or less deg-ree of 

 absorbent power than other porous or ung-lazed earthenware, 

 most of which are more or less porous to water. When 

 properly tested under a pressure of four feet of soil, I have 

 foimd the absorbent power of various pipes, formed of various 

 clays, equal to the passing- of about 3-7, ^tli part of the quan- 

 tity of water which enters the conduit through the crevice 

 existing- between each pair of jiipes. Hj so much this pro- 

 perty is useful, and I do consider that it assists in drying- 

 and g'iving- firmness to the soil in immediate contact with the 

 conduit. 



Mr. Parkes exhibited some draining- tools, which lie re- 

 commended — " They are the result of much care and trial in 

 comparison with others, and of cost to myself and the maker, 

 Mr. Lyndon, of Birmingham;" and concluded his instructive 

 lecture by observing- that in clays, and other clean-cutting" 

 and firm-bottomed soils, he did not find collars to be at all 

 necessary, but considered them to be essential in all sandy, 

 loose, and soft strata. 



Journal of the R. A. S. F., vol. vii. j^art 1, 1S4G. 



H 



