IRRIGATION IN FLORIDA. 55 



but the cost of labor. The water supply is generous, friction being reduced 

 greatly by the large main line. 



In laying the terra-cotta pipe I met with the obstacle of inefficient labor, 

 as there were only green negro hands available. By careful supervision, how- 

 ever, and by dividing the force in competitive gangs, the work was accom- 

 plished quickly and well. 



As to cost, I shall give below a complete, detailed account which will show 

 that we have put in an efficient irrigation system at the very low cost of 

 $28.86 per acre. Very fortunately the market price on terra-cotta pipe was 

 quite low at the time of installation. 



5,000 feet No. 1 8-inch terra-cotta pipe, at $10.50 $525. 00 



Tees, bends, etc 25. 59 



500 feet 6-inch galvanized-iron, portable pipe 65. 00 



Reinforcing and tapering ends of same 15. 00 



50 6-inch cast-iron irrigation valves, at $3.50 175. 00 



14 barrels of cement, at $1.80 25. 20 



225 pounds of spun oakum 17. 50 



One 6-inch standard gate valve 9. 75 



63 feet of 6-inch black pipe (iron) and fittings 34.64 



Labor of laying pipe, ditching, and erecting standpipe 250. 39 



Total 1, 143. 07 



This list is complete, and includes the entire outfit ready to use. 

 The terra-cotta pipe has many attractions for this low-pressure irrigation 

 work. It is practically everlasting, easy to lay, and withstands the chemical 

 action of the Florida sulphur water that ultimately destroys iron pipe. The 

 extreme difference of elevation on this plant is 15.9 feet. The pipe stands the 

 pressure with ease, but for a matter of precaution, in case the flow were turned 

 on with all outlets closed, a standpipe is erected at the lower end of the line, 

 with the elevation of the top 2 feet above the highest point in the pipe line. 

 The water from the well flows through a 6-inch cast-iron pipe, which is the base 

 of the standpipe. This base is of concrete in the form of a hollow square, 

 with 8-inch pipe-line outlets. The standpipe is built of 12-inch terra-cotta 

 pipe. 



On the whole, I would say that a system such as I have briefly described is 

 absolutely practicable and most economical as regards installation and upkeep 

 and as efficient as any. 



It will be seen from the above description that the system differs 

 from the Orlando installation in many respects, particularly as to 

 the method of distribution. The Palatka grove depended some- 

 what on the use of portable pipe, which will be used where the water 

 can not be run by gravity. The valves are placed 100 feet apart 

 instead of in every tree row, which means that the portable pipe will 

 be required between the valves even where the grades are adapted 

 to the furrow methods. These valves are the one-opening type of 

 the 6-inch size, each capable of discharging several hundred gallons 

 of water per minute. The terra-cotta relief stand is as good as a con- 

 crete box and much cheaper, but does not permit the installation of 

 sliding gates as does the type used in the Orlando grove, nor does it 



