406 IRRIGATION FARMING. 



simple method of construction would be to nail one of 

 the three borders to a pole, and make a loop, by means 

 of a stout cord, in the opposite comer. A better con- 

 struction, however, is recommended. Select a stout 

 stick of hard wood, or good pine, 2x4 and six feet 

 long, bore a one-half inch hole through the center of the 

 larger diameter about one foot from the two ends, and 

 make a wide saw-cut between and connec5ling the two 

 holes. The cut may be started with a keyhole saw. 

 Make the sides of equal length, about four feet and 

 four inches. Hem the edges so as to admit the pas- 

 sage of a half-inch rope around the entire border be- 

 tween the two layers of cloth. To fasten the cloth to 

 the stick, pass one edge of the canvas through the saw 

 kerf to the opposite edge, then thread the rope through 

 the half-inch holes in the stick and around through the 

 border of the canvas, remembering to pass the rope 

 through a two-inch iron ring at the angle opposite the 

 stick, for a fastener, or anchor, in the ditch. The two 

 ends of the rope should be made to meet about half-way 

 along the edge of the stick. Bolt or nail through the 

 flat side of the stick to prevent the sides from spread- 

 ing and the canvas from slipping in the kerf. The 

 other two edges should be fastened firmly to the rope 

 by sewing a stout cord around the rope and canvas. 

 To make the whole thing complete, a half-inch rod of 

 iron about three feet long and sharpened at one end is 

 provided, to pass through the iron ring at the point of 

 the canvas. The device is shown in Fig. 97. In use, 

 the ends of the stick rest upon the banks of the lateral, 

 the iron rod through the ring with the top slanting in 

 the direction of the water-source, and the sharpened 



