The Basin Method. L77. 
Basins.—This word is often used to indicate the check sys- 
tem, but should now have a narrower signification to distinguish 
between enclosures which cover nearly the whole space, or only 
a fraction of it. The latter are properly basins. On some slopes 
they are useful because they can be scooped out so as to give a 
very high barrier on the low side. They are also useful in using 
a very small continuous stream without a reservoir. They aie 
defective in not widely distributing moisture and thus inducing 
root extension. They are usually made by hand labor and often 
filled with a mulch of straw or manure to prevent cracking of 
the soil and to reduce evaporation. Whenever they are used 
they should be broken up and the soil thoroughly tilled at least 
once a year. 
DEVELOPMENT AND STORAGE OF WATER. 
It is, obviously, beyond the limitations of this work to at- 
tempt an extended review of irrigation enterprises and practises. 
The enterprises undertaken by capitalists, or by co-operation 
among settlers, require the services of competent engineers. All 
these matters are too great in extent and variety to be discussed 
in this work. As, however, it has been the aim of the writer to 
aid the inexperienced planter to help himself in small efforts, a 
little space will be given to suggestions as to how a planter may 
develop and use such small water supply as may be derived from 
spring, small creek or well, on his own land without employing 
an engineer, 
Running Lines for Irrigating Ditches—How far to go up a 
creek in order to bring water out upon a given piece of land 
is a question which frequently arises in individual practise. 
There is also doubt as to how much fall should be given to the 
ditch. The fall required by a ditch or canal depends upon the 
amount of water which it is desired that it should discharge, and 
upon the width and depth with which it is intended that the 
water should flow. It may also be dependent upon the charac- 
ter of the soil in which the ditch is to be constructed, and upon 
the peculiarities of the water itseli. A strong current in soft 
soil may cause mischievous erosions. Water carrying much 
sediment must never be allowed to move sluggishly, as clear 
water sometimes may. It is best to state the requirements to a 
competent engineer and act on his suggestion, or secure the 
counsel of a neighbor who has had experience with similar soil 
and water. 
Having decided what fall to give the ditch, the nearest 
point at which water can be taken out of a creek to be brought 
to a certain piece of land is found by commencing with the point 
at which the water is to be delivered (generally the highest poirt 
