TIMELY HINT 93 



gravity water from the same source. The sediments and fine sand 

 from this muddy supply accumulated in two years to a depth varying 

 from about twelve inches at the upper end of the first land, to one- 

 quarter to one-half inches at points farthest from the supplying lateral. 

 This heavy silt blanket in time became a serious inconvenience near the 

 ditch, disturbing the land levels, making it increasingly difficult to get 

 water from the ditch over the ground ; and throughout the field blanket- 

 ing the surface more or less deeply, hindering access of air and water 

 to the roots of the alfalfa. To dispose of these sediments, partly, an 

 embankment was thrown across the north end of the low middle portion 

 of the field, thus making a settling reservoir of .42 acres, into which the 

 irrigating supply was conducted from the main ditch ; thence by branch 

 laterals to the field. Samples taken from inlet and outlet of a similar 

 reservoir showed that on one occasion the sediments were decreased 

 from 1245 to 422 parts in 100,000 of water. During the first year this 

 reservoir was in use it filled to an average depth of nine inches with 

 sediments, which if distributed over the field would have made a deposit 

 .52 inches deep over the whole field. In due time this reservoir will be 



66/ Ft. 

 Diagram of field, showing ditch, settling reservoir and subdivisions 



filled to grade with rich soil which may then be planted and another 

 portion of low ground used in its' stead. This procedure lessens the 

 expense of ditch cleaning, fills in low lands, and lessens the excess of 

 sediments deposited on the surface of the alfalfa field. 



