Irrigating Vegetables in Xkw Yore L353 



At Rochester a most ingenious method is employed. A concrete 

 ring perhaps eighteen feet in diameter, four feet high and a foot 

 thick is constructed with a sharp lower edge. This is strongly re- 

 inforced. The soil is then dug out from the inside and it is 

 allowed to sink as the work progresses. Concrete block are built 

 upon the ring and thus the wall of the well is constructed as it 

 gradually drops into its final place. Radial pipes are usually set 

 in the concrete ring to permit the free inflow of water. If a stream 

 can be dammed at an elevation of about one hundred feet above 

 the gardens the gravity will supply sufficient pressure, a three 

 and one-half inch pipe delivering approximately 100 gallons per 

 minute at a distance of from five to seven hundred feet. An in- 

 creasing number of gardeners are able to secure city wafer at such 

 reasonable prices as to make this the best available supply. They 

 take advantage of the rates which are accorded manufacturers 

 who use relatively large quantities. 



overhead irrigation 

 The management of overhead irrigation apparatus presents 

 some interesting questions. But little real experimental work has 

 been directed along this line and the knowledge of the subject is 

 based almost entirely on experience and opinions of growers. 

 Most, users believe that thorough irrigation less frequently is to 

 be preferred to many light applications. Most men water at 

 night or when it is cloudy, but some do not hesitate to use it even 

 in mid-day, believing that the plants are benefitted by the cooling. 

 The work should be so planned that the ground will not be muddy 

 when produce is to be gathered from the field. Precautions must 

 be taken against cracking with such crops as tomatoes and roots. 

 This is usually occasioned by heavy watering after the plants have 

 been kept quite dry. Care should be taken to avoid the develop- 

 ment of rots of various sorts, in lettuce especially, as it nears 

 maturity. 



DOES IRRIGATION PAY? 



We have thus far neglected entirely the important question, 

 does irrigation pay? The very rapid increase in the number of 

 users of irrigation is quite conclusive evidence in its favor. Those 

 who have had experience find it especially helpful when they sow 



