MISCELLANEA. 
187 
them in proper quantities over other districts where crops 
fail from want of subterranean moisture^ we so modify the 
state of things that both are rendered more productive ; we 
rank the two — the proximate and the ultimate effects — in one 
common term. 
To effect this object^ we have then to collect and discharge 
the surface waters of the country; we have need of the 
formation of drains^, the efficiency of which depends upon 
r their situation and fall ; the discharge of the waters therein 
collectings being a question to be determined only by local 
causes. It is simple enough to get rid of v/ater when once 
the drains are formed and the water itself collected^ the 
difficulty resting on the proper construction of those drains. 
When drainage has to be constructed upon an extensive 
scale;, we find also that the ordinary artificial means of leading 
or conveying the waters collected are inapplicable, and we 
therefore have to search for some method whereby we may 
ensure our object being accomplished. It is to this that I 
propose calling attention in this short essay, hoping to prove 
the truth of what I have already advanced upon the strength 
of my own reflection, and by degrees lead to the adoption 
of a more generally useful plan than that by which each 
landowner performs his task for himself, without one con- 
sideration for the help which he might give to others, and 
without considering that by thus performing one neighbourly 
act, he receives the advantage of a diminution of expenditure 
in the drainage of his own ground. The question is, there- 
fore, upon what general principle can drainage be conducted, 
so that man may be facilitated in his work by the laws of 
nature, thus enabling him to perform his task with less 
labour and expense to himself, whilst the national advantage 
would likewise be consulted. 
Every one by this time is acquainted with the nature of 
