1889.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4. 169 



The method of using irrigation differs very much in dif- 

 ferent countries. Very much depends upon the locality. 



Where there are but two seasons, the wet and dry, they 

 can tell very readily when to prepare for irrigation ; but 

 where there are four seasons, it cannot be known until 

 the dry season arrives, which in our New England States 

 generally occurs in the summer or in our hottest weather. 

 Sometimes in the fall, in order to perfect a crop of celery or 

 cabbage or cauliflower. 



Very many of our vegetables are grown under glass, so 

 that with us irrigation becomes a necessity. 



The better facilities one has, the less the expense, and the 

 more perfect will be the success in securing the crop. 



When the grower understands irrigation, it is much easier 

 to get a good crop under glass than it is in the field, and I 

 had much rather undertake it. 



The subject of irrigation must be well understood, if it is 

 to be used so as to secure the best results in growing a 

 crop. 



It is very evident that no crop can be grown without it. 



There are various methods of applying moisture to the 

 soil and to growing plants, such as running it over the surface 

 in furrows or trenches, playing it upon the foliage, and by 

 filling tiles, which is mostly practiced on low lands by stop- 

 ping the lowest end of the tiles and filling them from the 

 lowest point. This method I would recommend for low and 

 heavy lands, because if applied to the surface the soil will 

 harden and become an injury to the growing crop. On sandy 

 lands the most benefit can be derived by running it over the 

 surface about once a week, and applying about one inch at a 

 time, which is about the average rainfall of our New England 

 climate. 



When the rainfall is uniform no irrigation is necessary ; 

 but as it is too often the case, no rain falls for two or three 

 weeks or more, then it becomes necessary to make two or 

 three applications. 



Irrigation by watering the foliage is not recommended, 

 except under glass, when it is often necessary and can be 

 applied without injury to the growing crop. 



It is better to water under glass on a pleasant day than on a 



