ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 1 3 



' One of the most formidable obstructions to securing good drain- 

 age is mill-dams, located on the natural base-line, which cause 

 serious damage to agricultural interests in their locality. In our per- 

 sonal examination of grass land, we have seen thousands of acres of 

 good agricultural land that in its present condition is almost entirely 

 worthless, caused by the check of natural drainage. In the discussion 

 of this topic we shall assume the position that good drainage is the 

 first requisite, in agricultural pursuits, to secure success. The first 

 important work in the improvement of grass lands is to secure good 

 drainage. Hence, to know where to locate drains is a question for 

 careful study and close examination, to secure the best results for the 

 least expense. To secure good drainage, it is very important to obtain 

 a good outfall to the base-line, which will greatly increase the value 

 of the cross-sectional drains. We are aware of the fact that we cannot 

 give a general formula how to drain all classes of land by the same 

 class of material, as the surface of the land is very diversified in its 

 formation, varying from the blufi'-rolling, to almost level plains. We 

 would recommend the Y-formed open drains as being superior to 

 those of other forms. The V form will make a stronger bank, also 

 the particles of alluvium will not form at bottom of the ditch, because 

 it will increase the velocity of the volume of water flowing through 

 the ditch. The size or dimensions of a drain will depend upon the 

 volume of water you wish it to convey, and also the condition of the 

 surface of the land that you wish to drain. Hence these two condi- 

 tions will require a careful examination before locating a drain. 



After securing good drainage, our next work will be in preparing 

 the soil for the introduction of the grass seed. It is a well established 

 fact that we are a strong exponent of the system of surface-culture 

 for the improvement of grass lands, in all of the various soils and 

 conditions of the surface. I am well aware of the fact that I am con- 

 tending with a time-honored institution — the use of the plo^ in the 

 improvement of grass land — but nevertheless we are willing to sub- 

 mit our experience in this olass of work, and also the specimens of 

 grasses grown under our supervision, for the inspection of those 

 present. We will note a few of the many reasons why we believe 

 the system of surface-culture of grass land to be superior to the use 

 of the plow, to-wit: That we are obeying nature's law, in this sys- 

 tem of work, in preparing the soil to receive the grass seed. This 

 position is demonstrated in the biblical history of grass, as w^e learn 

 there the agricultural implements were very rude in their construc- 

 tion, and meant to perform the work required of them to do in pre- 



