512 



On Draining. 



always be the case ; but we are showing its probability, and 

 hence that such a mode of experiment is by no means con- 

 clusive evidence that drains 4 feet deep, in clay subsoils, will 

 emit the water sooner than 3-feet drains. 



2 — Is a section of land drained 3 feet deep, and at 21 feet 

 apart. 



3 — A section of the same land with the drains at 30 feet apart, 

 and 4 feet deep. And with these three sections in juxta- 

 position it would be a reflection on your perception to attempt 

 any more detailed arguments to prove the truth of the asser- 

 tion, that it is physically impossible for the deeper drains to 

 run before the shallower. I shall, however, presently have 

 the pleasure of placing before you the results of some experi- 

 ments on nitration, which will still further confirm what we 

 have advanced. 



While, however, showing the superior efficacy of compara- 

 tively shallower and more frequent drains on clay-lands, it must 

 not be understood that anything but a safe and permanent depth 

 is contemplated ; and which cannot, I think, be depended upon 

 at less than about 3 feet. Assuming the general fall and breadth 

 of the lands to be suitable, the best and most economical plan of 

 setting out the drains will be in the furrows ; and then by cutting 

 them full 30 inches, and subsequently working down the ridges, a 

 good 3-feet drain is secured. It is most essential, after proper 

 and effective drainage, that the land should be laid flat, and not 

 retained in ridge and furrow. The mechanical action of drains 

 is two-fold — the discharge of superfluous water ; and, in propor- 

 tion as that is complete, the admission of atmospheric air and 

 influence with each succeeding shower of rain or fall of dew — 

 but if the surface of the land be such as to cause the rain to 

 flow into the furrows, instead of sinking into the soil where it 

 falls, it cannot be otherwise than productive of a partial action of 

 the drains, in lieu of that uniformity which is always observable 

 on naturally dry land. Why not lay turnip and barley land in 

 ridge and furrow ? Because it is dry and does not require it. 

 And is not the same reason equally conclusive on drained land, 

 properly dried ? 1 saw an instance, last spring, of the bad effects 

 of retaining the ridge and furrow after draining ; and, inasmuch 

 as it had the effect of making a convert of the prejudiced 

 occupier, may be worth mentioning. One of a succession of 

 tolerably strong land fields was being drained in fallow, and as the 

 intention was to sow it with wheat I particularly requested (after 

 a long discussion of the advantages) that it might be worked down 

 flat. Bent, however, upon practically showing me I was wrong, 

 and " that it would not do in that country/' the occupier kept it 

 in the old form : and the consequence was that the heavy rains 



