2l6 IRRIGATION FARMING. 



the head ditch to the extremity of the field and at 

 such distances apart and of such size as the condition 

 of the land determines. Generally, however, they are 

 made from five to sixteen rods apart, leaving an equal 

 number of acres in each land. Having made all the 

 ditches necessary and received a supply of water, a 

 small stream is turned from the head ditch into each 

 irrigation trench, and regulated from time to time 

 until the supply just equals the amount of seepage, 

 leaving no water to overflow on the field or to waste at 

 the ends. The flow of water is continued in the 

 trenches from one to four weeks, or until every part of 

 the field shows moisture at the surface. Water may 

 then be shut out of the field entirely. Should the 

 season bring a few showers no further application may 

 be required. The need of water may be tested at any 

 time by brushing away the surface soil in any part of 

 the field that looks suspicious. Reasonably moist soil 

 should be found at two inches depth. 



Oats. — The secret of raising oats successfully — as 

 with almost all spring-sown crops — is found to consist 

 in the quick germination of the seed, a rapid and 

 healthy growth during the first stages, allowing no 

 backset, and careful attention to the cultivation and 

 irrigation. Oats require more water than does any 

 other grain crop, and in very dry spells they may be 

 irrigated in the earlier stage of growth every two 

 weeks. The general treatment is the same as for 

 wheat, only that greater quantities of water are usually 

 needed. It is well to plant early, so as to get the bene- 

 fit of snows and rain, that the seed may germinate of 

 its own accord. When six inches high the principal 



