SUBIRRIGATION AND SUBSOIUNG. 437 



gradually became cemented with a calcareous coating 

 two inches in thickness. This phenomenon was no 

 doubt caused by the lime deposit left by the water 

 running in the ditches. In cleaning them periodically, 

 the old settlers were very careful not to disturb this 

 formation in the bottom of the ditches, having learned 

 by experience that when this was done there was loss 

 of water from seepage. Subirrigation will no doubt 

 redlify this condition and restore the soil to its natural 

 status. 



