298 THE COMPLETE FARMER 



practice in the various departments of husbandry than Mr. 

 Bue], I appreciate this notice from one so competent to make 

 improvements and so happy in his manner of detailing them 

 to the agricultural community. 



As regards underdraining, and the many benefits resulting 

 from it. my observation and experience fully corroborate all 

 judge Buel has said in its favor ; indeed, without this saluta- 

 ry and simple operation, no inconsiderable proportion of 

 many valuable districts of our country must continue little 

 better than waste. It is generally total loss of labor to the 

 farmer who attempts to cultivate wet lands in our rigorous 

 climate, and by draining, these useless inhospitable acres 

 have been found of the kindliest and most productive cha- 

 racter. 



Having a surplus of stones on my estate beyond what 

 fences require, I use the smaller and ill-formed for drains ; 

 they have the advantage of brush in durability and of tiles 

 in economy. My drains are, for the most part, three feet in 

 depth, two feet in width at top, sloping to one at bottom. 

 The bottom stones are largest, and are carefully placed to 

 allow the water to flow freely beneath, while above the small 

 stones are thrown in at random, so that when levelled they 

 are beneath the plough. Over these swingle-tow, shavings, 

 or straw, may be thrown, after which the earth can be re- 

 placed by the spade or plough, so as to present a rather 

 higher surface than the grounds adjacent, and the business 

 is accomplished. It is very essential that the descent be 

 easy, neither too quick nor too slow, and that all surface 

 loater be excluded, as it would speedily choke and destroy 

 the underdraining. I estimate the average cost of such 

 drains at sixty-two and a half cents the rod. It should ,be 

 remarked, that underdraining is adapted to lands presenting 

 sufficient declivity to carry off the springs, and it is only the 

 under water that is meant to be drained in this manner, 

 while open ditches are adapted to the bottom lands for the 

 conveyance of surface water. I will state what appears to 

 me the prominent advantages that the cultivator may pro- 

 mise himself by a thorough system of draining. 



In the first place, he creates, as it were, so much addi- 

 tional terra firma, and adds essentially to the health of all 

 around him, by correcting the ill tendencies of excessive 

 moisture. He can cultivate reclaimed lands several weeks 

 earlier and as much later in each year than those that are 

 unreclaimed, his crops are better and more sure. The labor 



