62 THE PEOPLE'S FARM AND STOCK CYCLOPEDIA. 



as the squares of their diameters. Thus the capacity of a two- 

 inch tile is to that of a four-inch as four to sixteen. I would 

 not advise the use of smaller tile than three-inch, except for 

 short laterals. It is better to err by laying larger tile than are 

 needed than smaller, for in this case the only loss is the extra 

 cost of the tile, while if those too small are used it may involve 

 the taking up of the entire drain." 



While general directions can be given, the intelligent farmer 

 will understand that they must be varied to suit the circum- 

 stances by which he is surrounded. 



The work of drainage should not be entered upon without 

 careful planning and forethought, as it is costly, and, unless 

 properly done, will not prove a profitable investment. 



There are many farms where the fall is so good that the 

 farmer will need no assistance from an engineer, as the lay of 

 the land will show where the mains and laterals are needed, and 

 it will be an easy matter to lay out a system of drains. 



On other farms there may be but little fall, and difficulties to 

 overcome which will require skill and experience. Under these 

 circumstances it would be folly for the inexperienced farmer to 

 trust to his own judgment, but he should employ an engineer, 

 arid have the work all mapped out for him, and the grades estab- 

 lished. A map of the drains, which will enable the farmer to 

 locate every line of drain on his farm, should be carefully pre- 

 served, as it may be of great benefit in case of any obstruc- 

 tion which will render it necessary to take up a section of the 

 drain. 



Material for Drains. All sorts of make-shifts have been 

 resorted to in underdraining. Stone, gravel, boards, rails, brush, 

 etc., have been used and recommended, but nothing has stood the 

 test of time but tile. These should be well burned, so as to ring 

 when struck with a piece of metal, and should be made from 

 good clay, and be smooth inside, so as to offer the least resist- 

 ance to the flow of water. Reject all that are soft or much 

 curved, or twisted out of shape by excessive heat in burning. 

 The best shape for tile is round inside, and either round or 

 hexagonal outside, so that they can be turned any side up in 



