62 



Elementary Principles of Agriculture 



95a. Rate of Loss of Water. Use three-pound tomato cans. 

 Put equal volume of air-dry soil of different kinds in each, and add 

 same amount of water to each. At 4 o'clock each day, note the 

 amount of water lost from each kind of soil during four separate 

 days, and calculate the per cent of total water lost for each day. 

 Record the results as shown in the following table: 



95b. Rate of Rise of Water Through Soils of Different Texture. 



For this test, a number of ordinary lamp chimneys serve ^ ry well, 

 because the results may be easily observed. These may be se ired at 

 stores. Select three samples of soil: one sand, one clay, and one a soil 

 with much humus. Prepare two chimneys of each kind of soil, as fol- 

 lows: Close the tops of the chimneys with muslin. In number one, 

 let the soil particles drop lightly into the chimney and remain very 

 loose. In number two, pour in a little at a time and press slightly 



with a stick. Do not 

 try to make too com- 

 pact, lest the chim- 

 ney be broken. Put 

 all the chimneys in a 

 vessel of water, as 

 shown in Fig. 37, 

 and note the rise of 

 the moisture every 

 recess hour. 



What effect does 

 compacting the soils 

 have on the quick- 

 ness with which they 

 absorb water in sand? 



Fig. 37. To test the rise of water through soils of 

 different texture. 



In clay? In humus? 



