PRECAUTIONS IN DRAINING. 25 



-where the smaller drains enter. Their purpose is to catch sediment 

 which would otherwise obstruct the drains, and also to watch the 

 working of the drain occasionally, to observe if it is in good order. 

 When sediment gathers in these wells, it is easy to clean them out. 

 This should be done before it is really necessary, or it will be apt to 

 be left until too late. 



Every complete set of drains should be laid out on a systematic 

 plan. The courses of the drains should be marked by permanent 

 posts set in the fences ; the lines of the observation wells should be 

 marked by other posts, so that the exact spot where each drain 

 begins and ends, and where each well is placed, may be found with- 

 out trouble. The wells should be -covered with flat stones, a foot be- 

 neath the surface, so that the cover may not be disturbed. As com- 

 plete drainage costs about $50 an acre, it is wise to take eve ry pos- 

 sible precaution against any waste of this money, to the smallest 

 extent. 



