HIGH FARMING. 183 



decimetres* long, and placed end to end at the bottom 

 of trenches, which are then filled in with earth. It is 

 difficult at first to understand, without having seen the 

 effect of these tiles, how the water can get into them 

 and so escape ; but as soon as one sees a drained field, 

 not the smallest doubt of the fact can remain. The 

 tiles perform the office of the small hole always open 

 at the bottom of the flower-pot. They attract the water, 

 which comes to them from all parts, and carry it out 

 either into drain-pits, or main-drains, where the inclina- 

 tion of the land admits of it. These tiles are often made 

 by machinery, which renders their manufacture in- 

 expensive. They are made of various dimensions, and 

 laid in the trenches at a greater or less depth, and more 

 or less apart, according to the nature of the soil, and the 

 quantity of water to be drained off. The total cost for 

 purchase and laying amounts to about 4 an acre. It 

 is now generally considered that this outlay is money in- 

 vested at 10 per cent, and the farmers scarcely ever refuse 

 to add to their lease 5 per cent per annum upon the pro- 

 prietors' outlay for draining. 



There is something magical in the effect of draining. 

 Both meadow and arable lands are equally benefited by 

 it. In the meadows, marsh plants disappear ; the hay pro- 

 duced is at once more abundant and of better quality.t 

 On the arable lands, even the most clayey, corn and roots 

 shoot more vigorously, and are healthier, and less seed is 

 required for a larger crop. The climate itself gains sensibly 

 by it. The health of the inhabitants is improved ; and in 



* The decimetre equal to nearly four inches. 



+ Experience has shown, for some time past, the danger of draining grass- 

 land in the drier parts of England. I mention this exceptional fact here, in 

 order to put upon their guard those who are seeking to introduce drainage 

 into .France. One cannot be too cautious where an agricultural innovation is 

 concerned. 



