106 



Probably for long ditches, a plow could be used to advantage, 

 also the second or third time. In the vicinity of Geneva, N. 

 Y., where the land is very generally underd rained, not only 

 for orchard and nursery purposes, but also for ordinary field 

 crops, a peculiar plow, something similar to our old subsoil- 

 ers, is used for loosening the soil to the depth of two or three 

 •feet, and in that way whole fields are drained to the depth of 

 four feet, at a cost of $40 per acre. I should not use a plow 

 in striking out, but should cut by a line, not over twenty inches 

 wide, if the soil was firm enough to stand at that width ; if it 

 was of a loose texture, it might need to be started two feet or 

 more wide. Should have all the good soil thrown on one side, 

 and the bottom soil on the other. My rule would be four feet 

 deep ; sometimes more, sometimes less ; but should not order 

 the men to dig to the full depth at first ; but have a careful 

 man dig to a true grade afterwards. My implements would be 

 a long, sharp spade for marking out, best ground-pointed, long 

 handle shovels, and the very best heavy picks. We should 

 liave better picks than are usually found in our stores ; heavy, 

 with plenty of* well-tempered steel, which should be kept well- 

 sharpened up. With good, experienced diggers, the ditch 

 ought not to cost, ready for the tile, over fifty cents per rod. 

 Do not let the men narrow in the ditches, as they go down, 

 but keep the sides nearly perpendicular, to nine or ten inches 

 wide at the bottom. This is necessary in order to do good 

 work. Before commencing to lay the tile, be sure the grade 

 is true and uniform through all the ditches ; go over it with a 

 hoe the last time, to remove the bunches and small stones that 

 may be left. Should there be any doubt in regard to any of 

 the laterals, it would be well to try them with a straight edge 

 and spirit level; then if there should not be sufficient fall, it 

 would be necessary to sink the main ditch deeper. Should 

 any of the ditches run through quicksand or springy places, it 

 would be necessary to lay the tile on firm, flat stones, or good 

 strips of board or plank. In regard to tile, the round is every 



