214 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



mine the course of liis system of drainage, and first stake out 

 his main drain, generally running along the base of the slope to 

 be drained, and then, at intervals of from seventy to eighty feet, 

 his stakes for the lateral drains. It being conceded that thirty- 

 five to forty feet is the proper distance of drains four feet deep, 

 this will allow him afterwards, if he has time and inclination, to 

 dig a lateral in every space. 



This first step being taken, the stones, cleared from every field 

 as it is worked, and deposited along the proposed drain, wiU 

 supply the proper material for the conduits. Whenever the line 

 of a drain presents to the view a sufficiency of stones, then let 

 that drain be dug at least four feet deep, two feet wide at top, 

 and twenty inches at the bottom for the main, and less for 

 laterals. As soon as open, let the stones be carefully laid, using 

 a sledge-hammer to break those which are too large, and then, 

 without loss of time, cover the drain. 



There are various modes of laying a stone conduit. That 

 which we deem the best, is to place a strong, flattish stone against 



the side, and to lean another upon it, thus, 

 filling with small stones to within two feet of 

 the surface, being careful to lay those which 

 first are thrown upon the large bottom stones, 

 so as to fill up all crevices, and to make the 

 surface of them perfectly level. A good firm 

 sod, laid inverted, (often the very sod taken 

 from the drain in digging it.) straw, leaves, 

 brush, leather-scrapings, or potato-tops, on 

 the stones, will prepare them for the earth, 

 which should always present a good crowning 

 surface when filled. The balance of the soil can be spread over 

 the land, used- for compost, or for any other purpose. 



After carefully laying the main conduit, there is no necessity 

 for immediately attacking the laterals, and the same with them. 

 It may be the useful and interesting occupation of years. When, 

 however, the system is complete, there will be the satisfaction of 

 having made not two but twenty blades of grass grow where one 

 grew before. 



This mode of draining has been most absurdly underrated. 

 In low lands, where the fall is insufficient, on pure clay soils, 

 or on any where there is no superabundance of stones, and on 



