22 LAYING TILES. 



end of the beam. This will have a tendency to keep 

 the point of the plow down, and a greater depth can 

 be attained. The lower two feet will have to be re- 

 moved by the spade, shovel and pickaxe. The ditch 

 should only be opened a sufficient width to permit 

 the man to work ; keeping a gradual slope down- 

 wards, and at the bottom only wide enough to admit 

 the tile. 



Round pipes with collars are preferable, especial- 

 ly if the sub-soil is sandy. In localities where these 

 cannot be had, the two-inch sole tiles are the second 

 best shape for all lateral drains. When the ditch is 

 completed, the bottom having the requisite fall to 

 carry off the water, commence laying the tiles in the 

 upper end of the drain. The joints should be 

 brought close together, and it is better to place an 

 inverted sod over each joint, or else a small quantity 

 of hay or straw twisted. This prevents sand or fine 

 silt from entering until the earth above the pipes 

 becomes settled. Care should be taken that each tile 

 has a firm position, if not, when the earth is placed 

 on the top of it, the pipe will tilt to one side or the 

 other, and cause a serious break in the drain. The 

 tiles should then be covered with earth, at first care- 

 fully with a long-handled shovel, so as not to dis- 

 place them, and the balance with a plow, road- 

 scraper, or anything else that will facilitate the 

 operation. 



