DRAINING THE LAND 157 



Plowing is done often later in the season, consequently 

 often unsatisfactorily, and the crop suffers, for it is 

 planted in haste ; and, as a result, it is hindered through- 

 out its period of growth. Drained lands are easily 

 tilled and easily cultivated. They permit all tillage 

 operations to be done easily and satisfactorily, and 

 at a time when most urgently needed or de- 

 manded. 



Less danger of drought. One of the proved facts that 

 scientific investigation has shown is this : a soil contains 

 more available moisture after drainage than before. The 

 explanation of this seeming inconsistency lies in the fact 

 that the physical condition of undrained soil is being 

 improved : the soil is made loose and mellow ; the soil 

 grains are more open ; and the interspaces admit and 

 hold air the capillary water is more freely introduced, 

 when demanded, and more readily handed out to the 

 roots, as they call for it. 



Just bear in mind that stagnant water is of no help to 

 plants. They cannot use it. Furthermore, it is repul- 

 sive to them. Better get rid of it, depending rather upon 

 the subsoil and the capillary tubes composed of the soil 

 grains, for the water supply during a complete growing 

 period. Of course, rains are to be desired they are 

 positively needed for most lands but their waters must 

 be taken into the soil and distributed into all of its parts : 

 a tiny bit must be given to each soil grain to hold and to 

 care for until some root forces it away. And all surplus 

 amounts must be carried away, that no injury may be 

 done either plant or soil. 



When you open and mellow and fine the soil you in- 

 crease the moisture content of the soil. When this is 

 done, a larger store of water is secured in the soil, down 

 to a considerable depth, all of which will be available, 



