162 LESSONS IN AGRICULTURE 



for the open ditch? For the 4 in. tile system? For 

 the 6 in. tile system? 



12. Suppose the open ditch costs 5 cents per rod 

 annually for repairs. In how many years will the open 

 ditch cost as much as the tile drain ? 



13. If the above is a true example of the cost and 

 value of drainage, does it pay ? 



14. What would it cost to dig an open ditch on 

 each side of a slough 10 rods wide and 100 rods long 

 at $0.25 per rod ? 



15. Is there a place on your farm that needs drain- 

 ing? Measure it. Draw a plan for ditches and esti- 

 mate the cost of both systems. 



16. Estimate the cost of the drainage suggested at 

 the beginning of this lesson. 



LESSON L 



FENCES 



Good fences and thrift. We shall have a few spare 

 days this month, and it would be well to look to our 

 fences. The construction and care of the farm fences 

 are indications of thrift or shiftlessness of the farmer. 

 If the fences about the yard, gardens, and fields are 

 neatly kept, and the weeds and bushes are cut from 

 the rows and corners, it is a sign that the farmer takes 

 pride in his home and farm, and that he is successful 

 in the details of his business. The scarcity of timber 

 is necessitating the use of wire, hedges, and cement for 



