IRRIGATION ROUND TABLE 109 



our pump works, and what a beautiful spray our irrigation pipes 

 tkrow upon the crop, if the thing isn't paying. The additional 

 returns due to artifical watering must be greater than the outlay. 



There are many methods. We can irrigate by the furrow sys- 

 tem. This is done in the West, and to some extent in the East. 

 I know of one or two farms that have had pretty fair success with 

 surface irrigation. Another possible method is by the use of sub- 

 irrigation systems. A third is by overhead systems. 



The overhead systems are of two or three sorts. Around Boston 

 they use a hose to a great extent. They consider they can put an 

 inch of water on an acre economically and with better distribution 

 according to the needs of the plant with an inch and a quarter hose 

 than with one of the other systems. This is also practiced in some 

 western sections. 



As another overhead system, we hear a great deal said about 

 the Skinner system. It has come into quite ^^^ide use, and has a 

 great many advantages, but I think it will be better for us to bring 

 out these advantages in the light of experience than to go into them 

 now. 



Sub-irrigation is practiced in Florida on the celery grounds, and 

 some who have been there will perhaps be able to tell us something 

 about that. 



Let us consider some of the factors in irrigation work. ^^ hat 

 equipment is necessary.^ What equipment is best.^ What will 

 good equipment cost? The equipment can be classified under two 

 or three heads. First, the water supply and the power — the pump- 

 ing system — , and the distribution system. Then there are questions 

 that come up in connection with the management. When are we to 

 water Are we to water this crop at night and that one in the 

 morning, or are we to water all when we feel like it, or are we to 

 apply our water only at certain specified times? Much has been 

 learned by experience, but there is a great deal that is not known 

 about it. 



Finally, I must again mention the cost. If we can find out 

 something about what it costs to pump water, what it costs to 

 distribute it, then we are ready to consider whether the increase 

 in returns is sufficient to justify the outlay. Shall we begin with 

 the different systems and take them up one by one? I know there 

 are a good many men who haA'e had experience. Will Mr. Bonney 

 give us a very brief statement of his scheme? 



