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adhesion, and thus facilitating the mechanical extension of the 

 roots and their consequent development. It elevates the tem- 

 perature of the soil by allowing the free passage of warm rain 

 water, which at the same time deposits the elements of fertility 

 extracted by it from the atmosphere, thus increasing the re- 

 sources of vegetation. It increases the power of absorption, 

 which enables the soil to support vegetation in the absence of 

 regular rains. It facilitates the passage of air to the roots, 

 supplying the proper amount of oxygen necessary to them. It 

 deepens the soil, giving the roots of trees a firmer hold, and 

 removing them farther from the effects of the sun, and render- 

 ing them less liable to freeze in winter. It lengthens the season 

 of vegetation. It prevents surface washing, by allowing the 

 rain water to descend through the soil at once. It renders the 

 surface dry at all seasons, thus excluding the possibility of 

 miasma. 



For these reasons, I do not hesitate to recommend as the 

 first step in the work of improvement, the thorough drainage 

 of the entire area of the park. 



We have now to determine the character of the artificial 

 drains which, in connection with the water courses, shall put 

 the ground in a condition to be used for the purposes for which 

 it is intended. Numerous methods have been resorted to with 

 stones, planks, brushwood and open drains, as temporary expe- 

 dients ; but experience has shown that the only effectual, and 

 in the end the most economical method, is that of using porous 

 tile drains. If properly laid, they thoroughly extract the 

 surplus water from the soil, and form no impediment to vege- 

 tation. There are three kinds of these tiles — the cylindrical, 

 the horse-shoe, and the sole-tile — the latter being the most 

 effective in its results, and most readily adapted to all circum- 

 stances of soil. They are made of different sizes, from two to 

 six inches in diameter, and about a foot in length. 



The location, size, distance apart, and depth of drains, has 

 formed a most fruitful subject of discussion in agricultural 

 journals, and whenever the subject has been referred to at 

 agricultural conventions, and meetings of farmers' clubs. As 

 a matter of course, much reliable information, as well as much 

 that is unimportant, has been made public in this way. But 

 the only conclusion that can be arrived at, is, that as all soils 



