442 Transactioxs of the American Institute. 



surface for warmth, or descend for moisture, or both, as they shall 

 see tit. We proffer tliein freedom of choice. If a wet season 

 attracts them to the surface, a dry one must constrain them to dive 

 for moisture. It is our duty to provide that they may flourish, how- 

 ever waj'ward tlie season. 



1. I have a steep hillside, which I choose to cultivate, the soil 

 being M^arm and kind. Plow this six inches deep, and the first hard 

 shower sweeps its soil by cart-loads into the brook below, where it is 

 useless. Plow it twice ts deep, and not a peck of soil will be flooded 

 off in a lifetime. 



8. In a wet season deep plowing does, at the worst, no harm ; 

 in a dry season, it doubles the crop. 



9. Unless a small army is more effective than a large one ; an 

 empty pocket-book better than a full one ; a lean crop preferable to 

 a large one, then a deep soil must be more productive than a shallow 

 one. 



Mr. S. E. Todd. — I am M^ell pleased with this paper, for it tells 

 something which we all wish to know, and I tliink it will be consid- 

 ered the most valuable paper ever presented to this club. 



Some discussion followed on minor points, when Dr. Trimble 

 announced that he had something further to offer on shallow plowing 

 and farming in Salem county, New Jersey, and the whole subject 

 was deferred for three weeks. The importance of a right under- 

 standing of the whole sul)ject was conceded, and it is now proposed 

 to go into an extended investigation. Members ought to be prepared 

 with facts. 



"Willow Fences. 



Mr. Ilines, of Patchogue, L. I., showed some curious specimens of 

 fence made by lashing and braiding the young shoots of the gray 

 Avillow. He says a perfect enclosure can be made in three years. 

 The cuttings or scions are planted six inches apart and interlaced as 

 they grow. It is especially convenient for swampy grounds. 



Water-tight Spouts and Water. 



Mr. J. C. Stratton, Woodland, Wabash count}', Minnesota. — Can I 

 take rough boards, nail them together, and make a trough that will 

 be water-tight for conveying water from my pump to the house, 

 twenty-six rods distant ? 



Mr. N. C. Meeker. — The edges of such a trough should be covered 

 with M'hite lead before nailing. A better trough is made from sap- 



