On the Drainage of Land. 
319 
8. Benefit from increased crops, admitting a new mode of cul- 
ture ; and stocking, advancing the time of harvest, reducing the 
amount of horse labour on heavy soils, improved climate, S^c. ^c. 
9. Durability of drains. 
10. Past and present practice of draining in England. 
1 1 . Districts of England which require the most extensive effort 
in underdraining. 
In looking over these different heads I come to the conclusion 
that more information is required how, than whether, drainage 
should be done. 
What I should consider your object must be in offering the 
prize is to get the best practical essay on draining sanctioned by 
your Society, and circulated in the most extensive way possible, 
for the benefit of the country at large, but more directly among 
all persons who are, or ought to be engaged in draining, so as to 
check the great waste of money expended in inefficient draining, 
and also to check unnecessary expense, which causes a great deal 
to be left undone from fear of the outlay : such an essay is neces- 
sary, especially if every part of the country require it as much as 
this, for according to the small quantity I have seen done in this 
neighbourhood, a good portion has been done in an inefficient 
manner, that is, if the several pieces were to be drained effectually, 
those that are made would save a very little expense according to 
their cost; some are not even worthy the name of drain, not that 
I blame any man for doing a little, pro\"ided it is done in a 
manner not to want doing again, and can be extended as oppor- 
tunity offers ; for many can spare a little time and money every 
year, who cannot proceed on an extensive scale, because their 
landlord will not or cannot help. 
Before commencing, I will just state that my experience 
extends over aljout twelve years, in which time I have made 
between 3000 and 4000 chains of drains on grass and arable 
land, principally at my own expense, though I am but a tenant- 
farmer, so well am I satisfied of its advantages ; and I am 
happy to say it has had the desired effect (with one or two ex- 
ceptions, which will be stated in the proper place), viz., keep- 
ing the land dry without the expense of making open furrows 
and trenches, admitting an improved mode of culture, by keeping 
stock in a thriving and sound state, (which was not the case with 
my predecessor, the principal part of whose flock was sometimes 
rotted in wet seasons,) increase of crops, with decrease of horse 
labour. Besides what I have done myself, I have generally taken 
the trouble, if I happened to see any draining in my travels, to 
examine the manner in which it was done, the nature of the soil, 
&c. ; amongst the rest Earl Ducie's example-farm, and all must 
VOL. IV. Y 
