66 WATER CISTERNS 



Where bamboo stakes are used, the plants will, of course, 

 require more careful attention as to tying and regulating. 



WATERING 



An abundant supply of water is always one of the 

 first essentials for a grower, not only for watering his 

 plants, but in order that, if necessary, a strong spray may be 

 turned upon the foliage. For this supply, not only for the 

 Sweet Pea crop, but for others on the place, it is well to 

 have a tank or head of water, the force of which should 

 have a pressure of 20 pounds to the square inch. It is 

 not likely that much force will ever be required in the case 

 of Sweet Peas, whose stems are liable to snap, or whose 

 foliage may be torn if the stream is forceful. Whether to 

 sink a well and pump water to the cistern by gasoline 

 engine on one's own account, or simply to pay rates and 

 get the city water — presuming that one lives near a city — 

 is another matter deserving consideration. In any case, 

 sufficient water must be provided, however it is procured, 

 and where several thousand plants are grown, a tank of 

 1000 gallons will be required. From 1 to \]/2 gallons pei 

 foot run of Sweet Peas per week, according to the weather 

 and the season, is an amply safe basis on which to estimate 

 the water supply, and so make provision for it. If possible, 

 the water should be chilled, or be made Iuke warm, but 

 this is not essential. The cost of a two horse-power en- 

 gine is $200 or $250, and this would be complete with pump 

 for either deep or shallow wells, and the cost of running rhe 

 engine to raise 500 gallons a day would probably not be 

 more on the average than $1.25 per month. 



In regard to water tanks — they can be made of wood,, 

 iron or concrete. The latter offer many advantages, 

 among these being that the materials necessary for their 



