86 



EGYPTIAN AGRICULTURE. 



plants will not be within reach of the plant roots. When 

 the surface dries, the food-laden water passes up again and 

 is partly absorbed by the plant ; but most of the manure 

 rises to the surface, where it is deposited after the evapo- 

 ration of the water. The very darkly shaded crest of the 

 ridge shows where this manure will ultimately be deposited 

 and rendered inactive. A careful study of those diagrams 



FIG. 6. DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING MOVEMENT OP MANURE WHEN- DISSOLVED 

 BY IRRIGATION- WATKK. 



should show the most economical method of applying 

 manure. Rich manure should be sown on the plant 

 side of the ridge between the plant and the bottom of the 

 drill ("techbeech"), it must not be put in contact with 

 the stem of the plant. 



Passing on to tillage operations it will be better to first 

 consider the general object and effect of working the soil. 

 The ultimate object aimed at is an increase in crop and a 



