196 On Draining. 



and the beds of sand, clay, &c. extend, with but little in- 

 terruption, to considerable distances, the soil may be drain- 

 ed on the Elkingtonian plan ; but in Scotland, where the 

 strata are much more frequently interrupted by the^convul- 

 sions of nature, that mode of draining cannot be equally suc- 

 cessful. Hence, as the springs rise at various places, each 

 must be drained according to its own local and relative cir- 

 cumstances ; and the drains must be so extended, and formed 

 of such depth, as to catch every spring, whether it is small 

 or copious. 



Concluding Observations on Draining. 



So sensible are landed proprietors become, of the deep 

 interest they have in executing this most important species 

 of improvement, on a liberal and extended scale, that it is a 

 practice with many, to have a general plan for the drainage, 

 and regular division of the different farms, when their estates 

 are newly let ; thus availing themselves of an opportunity, to 

 have the plan executed in a methodical, substantial and per- 

 manent manner, under professed drainers and labourers, 

 solely employed in this essential work ( l59 ). On this great 

 scale of drainage, the connexion of one farm, or part of an 

 estate, with another, renders the effect more complete, and 

 the ultimate charges much less. Indeed, so sensible are the 

 tenants of the advantages of this system, that they give it a 

 preference, to that of having the work done at their own ex- 

 pense, and in their own manner, even with the certainty of in- 

 demnification ( l60 ). 



While such are the advantages to be derived from drain- 

 ing, it is unfortunate that any obstacles should exist to the 

 execution of such a useful improvement. Unless Parlia- 

 ment, however, will direct its attention to the subject, and 

 enact regulations for the encouragement of draining, the 

 efforts of private individuals will often be checked, and much 

 valuable land will continue unproductive. A more complete 

 exemption from the tax on draining bricks, would be of great 

 use. A law might also be passed, authorising proprietors, 

 even on entailed estates, to charge their land with three- 

 fourths of the expense of drains, as they can at present in 

 regard to inclosures ; and to compel the neighbouring pro- 

 prietors, to share in the expense of draining, if they derive 

 any benefit from it, as is the case in Scotland, when fences 

 are made on the boundaries of different estates. 



The laws of a nation ought to be improved from time to 



