On the Formation of Hillside Catch-Meadows. 



147 



depth to effectually carry off its water into the water-carriage 

 below, and it thus mixes with the passing water^ and at once takes 

 its part in redeeming the grasses of its late and nearest neighbour- 

 ing bog below, which had been tapped upon the same plan, and 

 is passing its water in an onward direction for similar improve- 

 ment. Care should be taken to tap these springs deep enough, 

 as they are much increased by irrigating the upper hill side, 

 especially upon porous soils. 



In draining a valley near my house which had formed itself 

 into a regular swamp, it was found necessary to cut an open 

 water-course up the middle (from end to end), observing to cut 

 through the accumulated peat-earth, and at least from 6 to 

 8 inches into the rock or rubble below. By this means the 

 emptying of the old underground drains is ensured, which had 

 washed their way to a considerable depth, but by occasional stop- 

 pages, quaking bogs appeared, dangerous to pass. The open 

 course completed, and the springs cut into it, the work was left 

 for a time to see the effect ; after a time one or two upright 

 springs were found to remain, which were tapped and carried into 

 the open course. These drains were filled with stones in the usual 

 way. The valley is now dry and cultivated. The peaty sides of 

 the open water-courses are being sloped and thrown into the 

 stream, and washed to the dry hill-side meadows by its own 

 water. The better plan is to mix lime with these soils during the 

 summer months for using in the autumn. Ponds are being 

 formed at convenient slopes by the same process ; and as the soil 

 is required for washing on to the meadows, they will be gradually 

 enlarged from time to time as the work proceeds. These are 

 advantages which cannot be practised in flat work, where the fall 

 is slight, but may be adopted with infinite success in hilly dis- 

 tricts, especially where the land is too steep to break, and water 

 can be had (even from a distance), improvements may be made, 

 and at a comparatively moderate outlay. By the use of good 

 spring water alone, the heather and native grasses disappear, and 

 improving grasses are seen to take their place. But little effect 

 will be seen the first year, or perhaps two; still the ultimate 

 result will be certain if proper attention has been paid to the 

 continuous and even waterino^ throuo-h the season. I would here 

 venture a remark, that many thousand acres of hill-side lands are 

 now lying waste, growing alone heather and weeds," which 

 might be profitably brought into good cultivation by the aid of 

 capital, enterprise, and good water. Landlords owning such 

 property would do well to enter into mutual arrangements with 

 their tenants, that the hitherto neglected waste be no longer left 

 to nature's clothing, but covered with green and nutritious grasses. 

 This done, it would serve as a kev to the whole occupation, by 



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