144 . Tile-Draining. 



should be fastened on blocks as soon as they are received, and so placed 

 that the plants hang downward, in order that no water may lodge about 

 them till they begin to grow and form new roots. 



In fine, the treatment is to keep the plants without excitement until they 

 show signs of growth ; then to stimulate gently until the growth is develop- 

 ing ; then pot, and treat as old established plants. 



Boston, August, iS68. Clareuce E. Herbert. 



TILE-DRAINING. 



I AM tile-draining some fifteen acres of land. A considerable portion 

 of the work is already done. My drains are from three and a half to five 

 and a half feet deep, and nearly all are over four feet deep. From two or 

 three of the deepest drains, the water will probably run the entire year. 

 From the other drains, it is not anticipated that the water will flow more 

 than six months out of twelve. 



The ground that I have thus drained I am putting out with pears, cher- 

 ries, grapes, raspberries, and strawberries. 



Now, practically, I find it very difficult to avoid frequently locating indi- 

 vidual trees and vines, and in some cases whole rows, very near to or 

 immediately over a tile-drain. 



The point I wish to make is this ; to wit, How near can I go to my 

 tiles with the different fruits without encountering the risk of obstructing 

 my drains with the roots of trees, vines, and shrubs ? I think 1 can safely 

 put out raspberries, currants, strawberries, and some other small fruits, 

 without regard to the location of my drains. I have in some instances 

 ventured to plant pears on the quince-root immediately over drains. 

 From all that I can learn of the habits of the roots of the quince, I do not 

 tliink it probable that they will interfere with the tiles. In case the pear- 

 wood should put out roots above the quince, these roots will make a 

 horizontal growth, and will not be likely to reach the tiles. 



But what shall be our conclusion in regard to the pear-tree on the pear- 

 root ? How fir will the top-root of the pear penetrate into Mother Earth ? 

 or, rather, how far will the several nearly vertical roots that usually take 



