278 On Irrigation. 



6. The Expense. 



This varies according to the nature of the work. Where 

 the catch-work system is practicable, in favourable situations, 

 the forming may be done as low as 10s. per acre. This fact 

 is, in many cases, decisively in favour of this natural and 

 simple mode, which requires also much less water, and often 

 answers fully as well as flat flooding ( 42S ). 



The expense of bed-work, as it is called, is, however, con- 

 siderable. If the ground to be flooded, be smooth on its 

 surface, or in regular ridges, and if the water can easily be 

 brought to the meadow, with a temporary weir, supposing 

 the extent to be almost 20 acre's, it may be done at from L.5 

 to L.10 per acre; but if the land be of large extent, with an 

 irregular surface ; if a large conductor, and a proper weir 

 shall be required, with hatches both in it, and also in the 

 feeders ; and if the aid of a professional person, to lay out 

 and oversee the work, be necessary, (which is generally the 

 case), the expense will vary from L.10 to L.20 per acre ( 4z6 ). 

 Nay, in Wiltshire, where they are anxious to have their 

 meadows formed in the most perfect manner, with that re- 

 gularity which the nice adjustment of water demands, the 

 expense per acre has amounted to forty pounds ( 4a7 ). 



7. The Profit. 



The profit resulting from this operation, when properly 

 conducted, is always considerable. Mr Wilkinson proves, 

 by authentic documents, that all the outgoings, both capital 

 and interest, were refunded within two years, besides a very 

 considerable permanent increase in the value of the land ( 4 * 8 ). 

 Mr Eyres derived great advantage from his meadow, even 

 the first season, by pasturing on it sheep, cattle, and even 

 cart-horses ( 4 **). Mr Clough found that land, which, be- 

 fore irrigation was applied to it, was not worth more than six 

 shillings per acre, was thereby increased in value to L. 2, 

 15s. per acre, even to a farmer ; and if let to the inhabitants 

 of a market-town in the neighbourhood, would fetch L. 3, 

 10s. if not more( 43 ). 



The following is the statement of profit from the forma- 

 tion of an irrigated meadow, on the estate of the late Mi- 

 Ferguson of Pitfour, in Scotland, who carried on that species 

 of improvement with much energy and success. 



