SECRETARY'S REPORT. 79 



effectual and economical article than stones, in many places. 

 We refer to drain tile, so called, of which we have noticed two 

 kinds, the horse-shoe, and the sole tile, composed of clay, 

 moulded and burned like bricks. From what we have observed 

 and been enabled to learn from others, we confidently recom- 

 mend the use of tile in the drainage of soils where the descent 

 is so slight that the current of water must necessarily be 

 sluggish — where field-mice will be troublesome — where the 

 bottom or sides are of such nature as to render it difficult or 

 impracticable to keep a stone drain clear. When level meadows 

 are to be drained, as a general rule, the use of stones is out of 

 the question. Tiles should be used for all but the main drain, 

 which, in a majority of cases, should be left an open ditch. 

 When, however, difficulty is experienced by washing, and the 

 sides of main drain gushing in, it may be practicable to stone 

 at the sides and leave uncovered. 



In the use of tile, whatever kind is used, common sense will 

 dictate that care and discretion must be exercised, by placing 

 down in such a manner that they cannot be thrown out of place 

 and the connection broken. From want of experience in the 

 use of tile, our own draining operations having been carried on 

 where the use of stones was feasible, we forbear giving direc- 

 tions in detail, in relation to the kind to be used, or the manner 

 of using. The distance at which the drains should be laid from 

 each other depends so much upon circumstances ; the circum- 

 stances vary to such an extent in different localities, that we do 

 not feel competent to give directions which would subserve the 

 interests of practical men, in relation thereto. 



If, from want of experience, or other cause, persons about to 

 commence an enterprise of that kind, cannot rely upon their 

 own judgment, or even if they think they can, we would advise 

 a consultation with one or more individuals who possess experi- 

 mental knowledge of the business. 



We cannot close without urging attention to this subject by 

 the farming community. While we are free to admit that 

 many farmers appreciate the advantages to be derived from 

 thorough draining, and practice in accordance therewith, we 

 are sensible that a larger number do not evince, by their prac- 

 tice, any degree of interest in the matter. God has given the 

 soil for man to till, to cultivate, to improve, much of which 



