EE-STOCKING DENUDED WOODLANDS. 199 



dation of old would now do more damage than the whole 

 expenses amount to. 



After a dam has been perfected, there should be made 

 on both sides outlets in the shape of ditches, having 

 such an inclination as to lead the surplus water, which 

 accumulates before the dam, into transverse running 

 trenches out of which the excess of Avater flows equally 

 into the territory below. 



In regulating the mountain waters we have, however, 

 not only to look out for the very rivulets, streamlets or 

 whatever name may be given to the small running 

 mountain waters, but also for the many trougli-lihe 

 natural formations of the soil in the mountains, the 

 ruts, grooves, streaks and even roads, as these in times 

 of heavy and lasting rains often are converted into water 

 currents, quickly changing innocent-looking furrows 

 into brooks and steeply embanked ravines. If possible, 

 these irregularities of the soil must be removed in time, 

 by filling them up with earth, commencing at the high- 

 est sites. But if this course is not expedient, there 

 should be constructed at proper places and distances in 

 these cavities crossdams or dikes, capable of arresting 

 flowing waters and leading them through outlets, Avhich 

 are made in the above-described manner on both ends 

 of the dam, into horizontally running furrows or 

 trenches, by which they are scattered over a larger area. 



It is advisable to first fill the lower part (bottom) of 

 the large cavities with stones, dead trees and bushes in 

 order to secure drainage under the soil which will there 

 be accumulated as time goes on. 



Then commence constructing at the highest part of 

 the ravine in distances from 10 to 50 yards, according 

 to the steepness of the soil, a series of barriers out of 

 fence-wood, fascines or stones. The volume of water 

 at the starting point of the ravine not being large, these 



