CAPILLARY MOVEMENT OF SOIL MOISTURE. 7 



The samples from the box experiments are taken and treated in the 

 same way as for the flumes, except that one composite sample is made 

 for each boring in the boxes. 



PREPARATION OF SOIL FOR PACKING. 



The soil to be used in the experiments is thoroughly air dried, if 

 not already so. The soil is spread out in thin layers and exposed to 

 the direct rays of the sun for several days. The air-dried soil is 

 then screened through a •J-inch screen and all large rocks, roots, 

 etc., removed. Lumps of soil are broken up and screened. The 

 heavy clay soils having numerous large lumps are rolled with a hand 

 lawn roller and screened. In order that the soil grains may not be 

 broken by the roller, it is necessary to roll upon some rather yielding 

 foundation. A soil foundation was made by rolling repeatedly with 

 a weighted roller. Soils of the clay and loam type are passed 

 through a 14-mesh screen and the screenings from all operations 

 thoroughly mixed. The preparation of the heavier soils of the 

 Whittier type is a slow and tedious operation. It is onty by re- 

 peated rolling with a light roller that the soils can be properly fined 

 without crushing the soil grains, 



SETTING UP THE FLUMES. 



The flumes were set up out in the open and were protected only 

 from the direct rays of the sun and from the rain. They rest upon 

 2 by 12 inch plank cut to the proper length and set upon end. The 

 tanks rest upon small stands fastened firmly to the foundation for the 

 flumes. Thus the supporting structure for the entire soil column is 

 rigid. 



The flume, tank, and ell were set in position, the glass side of the 

 flume put in position, and then all joints were filled with melted 

 paraffin wax. All joints were tested a second time to see that they 

 were air and water tight. The flume including the wick was then 

 ready for packing. 



PACKING SOIL IN FLUMES. 



The soil was placed in the flume in 2-inch layers and packed with 

 a wooden block and hammer. The block is corrugated and is 4 by 6 

 inches. The packing was done by striking the block with the ham- 

 mer, using as uniform a blow as practicable and continuing the pack- 

 ing until the soil was of about the same density as found in the 

 field. This density was estimated in both instances by measurement 

 and weight. The soil was placed and packed into the flumes layer 

 by layer until filled. 



