METHODS OF APPLYING WATER. 



135 



irrigated by flooding though kept sufficiently moist. 

 Most generally in the spreading of water over farms par- 

 ticularly those that have not been properly graded as de- 

 scribed plow furrows are run diagonally across fields, 

 as outlined in Figure 47. This system is the most prac- 

 ticable to use in flooding land. The furrows which dis- 

 tribute the water are run in such direction, required by 



FIG. 47. "DIAGONAL PLOW FURROWS ACROSS A FIELD. 



the lay of the land, as will give them only a slight descent. 

 A hoeful or shovelful of earth thrown in the furrows at 

 the entrance keeps them closed. When the land needs 

 water the little gate or sliding board at the canals is 

 raised as far as needed to let in the required amount of 

 water. This is raised or lowered as may be necessary 

 in the course of irrigating a field. 



