AMERICAN HOME GARDEN. 21 



COVERED DRAINS. 



These are formed by setting flat stones edgewise along each 

 side in the ditch, and fitting a covering of the same to rest 

 upon them. Over this hollow drain, stones, such as are suita- 

 ble for blind ditches, may be thrown, so far as seems conven- 

 ient or desirable, the whole being covered with the earth and 

 rounded as above directed for the blind ditch, thus combining 

 the advantages of both forms of draining (I). The ditch for a 

 covered drain need not be cut so wide at the surface as an open 

 or a blind ditch, but may have the sides nearly perpendicular ; 

 and where flat stones can not be readily obtained, the drain- 

 pipes or tiles made by the potters may be used (J). 



PLOWING. 



The plow and harrow, wherever it is practicable to use them, 

 are the most efiicient known instruments in the proper prepa- 

 ration of the soil for the reception of seeds or plants. Much 

 has been said and written to demonstrate the superiority of the 

 spade, but it has not come into general use as a substitute, and 

 is now less likely than ever to do so. Repeated deep, narrow- 

 sliced plowing and thorough harrowing are, beyond question or 

 comparison, the best means that we possess for thoroughly pul- 

 verizing the soil, and so reducing its particles as to prepare 

 them to enter into the composition of plants. How to plow 

 well must be learned. Happy the youth who, to his other 

 learning, willingly adds this. Plowing should be performed 

 when the earth will crumble as it is turned up. The old 

 Roman maxim, "Plow stripped, sow stripped," is a good, 

 though not an absolute rule. Fall plowing, either plain or 

 ridged, may be done without injury, even though the ground 

 be pretty wet and the weather cold, the frosts of winter coun- 

 teracting the ill effect that in other circumstances would re- 

 sult. But the cultivator who in spring turns up a wet, smooth, 

 heavy furrow-slice to the bright, strong sun, will find his sea- 

 son's labor largely increased or his crop a failure. 



Plowing should be performed with a strong team. On all 

 good soils, and especially in a garden, it should be from twelve 



