SUEFACE- AND SUB-IRRIGATION 

 OUT OF DOORS 



F. WM. RANE, M. S. 



After Bulletin No. 33 of the West Virginia Experiment 

 Station, " Sub-Irrigation in the Greenhouse," was issued, Sep- 

 tember, 1893, numerous inquiries came from various states 

 asking for details in regard to special points, and particularly 

 as to whether we had any experience or suggestions as to its 

 application out of doors. 



In regard to the application of sub-irrigation to out-of-door 

 crops, we were without adequate data. Experiments have 

 been pursued since then, looking toward a solution of the ques- 

 tions unsolved ; and now, while we do not claim to be able to 

 throw all possible light on the subject, nevertheless we feel that 

 the practical ideas gained from three years' study and experi- 

 mentation may be of interest and value. 



In publishing this bulletin at this time, the main object is to 

 cover the subject of irrigation in so far as it is of importance to 

 that section of the country lying for the most part east of the 

 Mississippi river ; and with reference to small rather than large 

 areas. If, by trial, it is shown that irrigation pays upon our 

 higher priced land, as that of the garden, orchard, etc., the 

 question as to its application on larger areas and cheaper land 

 will naturally solve itself. The conditions in the section named 

 differ widely from those in the so-called arid regions of the 

 West. This bulletin is concerned only with the conditions 

 prevailing in our own neighborhood. 



The question of irrigation in the East is of late becoming 

 more and more important. The past few years have been 

 especially dry during mid-season, and where artificial watering 

 has not been available, the various crops have necessarily suf- 

 fered. This drouth, however, has not been caused by a lack of 



