46 



BULLETIN 906, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Distributing hydrant elliptical in form. 



Larg e elliptical, 

 semicircular, or oval 

 stands are used where 

 an extra number of 

 valves are to be con- 

 nected to one hydrant 

 These special forms 

 (figs. 27 and 28) 

 are also used in sandy 

 soil, where it is de- 

 sirable to space the 

 spouts as far apart as 

 possible. If several outlets are set in a small diameter pipe, water 

 will wash the furrows together where they connect at the hydrant. 

 Where the larger sized hydrants are used it is a good plan to set them 

 against a curb or fence, otherwise they will be an obstruction to 

 cultivation if placed in the ordinary manner. These large hydrants 

 are sometimes used where the smaller type would answer as well, but 

 they have their use especially in walnut orchards where a large num- 

 ber of furrows are required between tree rows. The oval type set with 

 the long axis parallel to the tree rows presents the least obstruction to 

 cultivation where the stands can not be placed against a fence or 

 curb. There are orchard hydrants which are covered over the top, 

 with no valve connecting stand to the underground lateral, the 

 amount of water delivered to each furrow being regulated by means 

 of small galvanized gates that are attached to spouts set through 

 the sides of the stand. 

 This type is practicable 

 where heads are low, 

 but where pressure is 

 in excess of a few feet 

 the valves are difficult 

 to make water-tight. 

 Leaves and trash also 

 tend to clog this type 

 of hydrant. 



In some cases where 

 it is not desirable to 

 place a number of 

 stands, the hydrants 

 are placed a consid- 

 erable distance apart, 

 and portable pipes 

 fitted with outlet 



valves are Connected fig. 28. — Another type of distributing hydrant. 



