IRRIGATION 43 



the tile may not have too much fall and give uneven 

 distribution of the water. 



Various plans of overhead irrigation have been 

 tried from time to time, and during the last ten or 

 fifteen years the so-called "Skinner system" has 

 come into very common use. When properly in- 

 stalled this system gives almost perfect satisfaction. 

 Very briefly the system consists of lines of per- 

 forated water pipe from 25 to 50 feet apart sup- 

 ported by posts from four to six feet high. The 

 lines of pipes are so arranged that the streams of 

 water can be directed at various angles at will. The 

 water falls as a gentle spray over the plants without 

 harm to them and without compacting the surface 

 layers of the soil. The pipes are usually taken down 

 at the end of the season and stored until the follow- 

 ing spring. The cost of installation varies, depend- 

 ing principally upon location and water pressure, 

 but usually runs from $100 to $250 per acre. Gal- 

 vanized iron pipe should always be used, and if of 

 good quality will last indefinitely. The various 

 bulletins and pamphlets issued by the inventors and 

 manufacturers will give all the necessary details 

 concerning the proper installation and operation of 

 the system. 



