IRRIGATION FOR THK ORCHARD. 279 



wood a chance to ripen. When water can be had irri- 

 gate once more in November or December, for the 

 winters in irrigating countries are generally very dry, 

 but never use more water than is needed to keep the 

 soil moderately moist during winter. 



It has been observed in a(5lual experience that water 

 should not be required ordinarily to run in the furrows 

 more than sixty rods, although eighty rods may do 

 under certain conditions of soil, slope, and supply. 

 Any greater length of flow might cause the first or 

 upper part of the furrow to become cold, a condition to 

 be avoided by all means, as the growth of any tree, 

 shrub or vine is naturally checked when the ground 

 becomes chilled, a condition found to ensue when cold 

 water is allowed to run over the roots. In warm 

 weather the water will evaporate quickly. We have 

 noticed during hot days in irrigating that it would take 

 water in a good even furrow about sixteen to eighteen 

 hours to cover a distance of sixty to eighty rods, and 

 in that time the ground at the head of the row would 

 be very cold and growth much checked before the last 

 part of the row was thoroughly irrigated. 



The length of time that water should be allowed to 

 run in orchard furrows must of course be governed by 

 the nature of the soil and lay of the land. We usually 

 let a small stream run twelve hours. Water is regu- 

 lated by small boxes made of lath, which are cut in 

 pieces two feet long, nailed so as to make a funnel one 

 inch square. A box is put in the head ditch at each 

 furrow. If the soil is very dry or loose two boxes may 

 be used for each furrow. It is necessary to put the 

 boxes at the bottom of the lateral on account of floating 



