14^ A TREATISE ON THE CONNECTION OF 



those times generally proves kl inimical to the future 

 growth of plants. On this account, rain, during the cold 

 and chilling winter months, is injurious; whilst warm 

 summer showers are attended with acontrary cffed: hence, 

 when vegetation is not advancing, or but slowly pro- 

 ceeding, the ground should be kept as dry as possible. 



Considerable benefits ensue to certain soils by artifici- 

 ally watering the ground at certain seasons, yet much 

 greater, and more extensive advantages to the soil, and to 

 the agriculture of these kingdoms, would result by a 

 more complete and general drainage of the surface. 

 What is most important to be done, should ever be done 

 first, and the attention of the farmer should not be 

 called away to other objecls, such as the irrigation of 

 meadows, until he had relieved his lands of the injurious 

 surface water, and laid tJiCrn suiliciejirly dry ; previous to 

 which, the full benent that may arise by irrigation, or 

 the judicious application of water at certain seasons, 

 cannot be expeded. 



The different mechanical operations of draining land are 

 in general so well understood, that it cannot be deemed 



necessary 



