METHODS WITH IRRIGATION. 65 



able) two feet wide and one inch thick, on a line directly 

 from your windmill or tank across the plat of ground. 

 Take a plow and turn two furrows together directly over 

 the manure, making a high ridge. Smooth and firm the 

 soil with a rake or hoe, and directly on top and length- 

 wise of the ridge form a ditch or trough about five inches 

 wide and three inches deep, on a grade so the water will 

 run from one end of the ridge to the other, connecting 

 the ends so that the water will run the entire length of 

 all the ridges without any attention; or you can make 

 the ridges around the plat, which will enable you to dis- 

 tribute the water from the ridge to any point desired by 

 means of a small piece of pipe inserted in the edge of 

 the trough, always maintaining a uniformity of moisture, 

 which is absolutely necessary for the growth of certain 

 vegetables. Run the water through the ditch until it is 

 settled and well moistened, then plant the seed at the 

 base and either side of the ridge. 



"Do not allow the water to rise up over the beds under 

 any circumstances. If the work is properly done the 

 water will run through the ditches in the high ridges 

 and from their termination will continue from from one 

 trench to another, till each bed in the plat is nicely moist- 

 ened, and after once thoroughly wet and settled it will 

 not require more than one-half of the water it does at 

 first, unless the soil is very sandy and loose. Remember 

 it is the small stream long drawn out that counts and 

 gives the best results. " 



Practice With This System. Concerning practice with 

 the different vegetables and the preparation of ridges 

 and beds for them, the following suggestions are given : 



"Plant melons and winter squash seven feet apart on 

 each side of the ridge, which should be eight feet apart 

 for these varieties, and about five feet apart for corn, 

 beans, summer crook-neck squash, cucumbers, and toma- 

 toes. After preparing the ground and planting the seed 

 neither the ditch nor plants will require much attention 



