262 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



other metliod, or than all other methods combined, as the 

 necessary improvements can in most instances be effected by it 

 alone. 



This mode of draining has already been productive of 

 immense advantage in those districts where it is generally 

 applied, and on its extension and perfection the future success 

 of farming in many places depends. Hence the importance not 

 only of thorough draining being undertaken on all wet soils, 

 but so as to make it fully and permanently equal to tlie purpose. 



The first thing to be attended to in draining is to procure an 

 outfall to carry off the water from the drains at any season. 

 "Without this they must be partially or totally inefficient, and it 

 is scarcely possible that tliey can be permanent. In most places 

 the only difficulty in providing an outfall, where one is not 

 already provided, is the expense, which would often be consid- 

 erable. 



Draining, as a general rule, should be commenced at the 

 lowest part of the ground ; and when the water is effectually 

 cleared away therefrom at all times, a good outfall will be easily 

 obtained for the higher lands. 



When the land is level it is important that ditches should not 

 only be so situated as to allow the water to be easily and natu- 

 rally brought into them and readily carried off afterwards, but 

 that they should be cut to a regular inclhiation in the bottom, 

 and their width suited to the quantity of water to be conveyed. 

 The main ditches should be as straight as possible. Evei-y devi- 

 ation from the direct line increases the distance to the outlet 

 and lessens the rate of inclination. 



Every portion of the country appears to be abundantly sup- 

 plied with materials of some description for draining. Where 

 timber is scarce, stones are abundant ; or, if both are wanting, 

 then there generally is an excellent deposit of clay from which 

 tile may be made. It is an established fact that under-draining 

 will pay all reasonable expenses incurred in its construction in 

 the course of three or four years, and not unfrequently the first 

 year alone, by the increased productiveness. 



It therefore behooves the farmer to consider well what kind of 

 drains his present means will justify him in making. The dig- 

 ging and filling will cost about the same for any kind except 

 tile. The difference in cost then will depend upon the material 



