On the Drainage of Land. 
335 
that on the steep-land, from its entering at very acute angles, 
will not drain so much land each side of it as where it enters at 
nearer right angles. 
Disposition of Drains. — The drains should be made as before 
stated ; and, to guard against their choking up, never get much 
water together, which is not often the case in furrows, except 
where there is a considerable length of flattish land and a 
sharp fall towards the bottom of the piece, then I would liave a 
main drain to take the water out of them before it went down 
the steep part, and then drain that by itself; and if in the direc- 
tion of the main there is but little fall, instead of making one 
main, I would let each drain empty itself in the open ditch, or 
two or three together ; 
Tims : Or thus : 
. V 
which would obviate their liability to choke at the junction with 
the main. I am aware there are advantages and disadvantages of 
emptying each drain by itself. If any accident happens it only 
injures one and is easier found out and amended. On the other 
hand there are more mouths to attend to, and more chance for 
vermin to injure them. 
Benefits from increased Crops admitting new mode of Culture 
and Stocking, advancing the time of Harvest, reducing the 
amount of Horse-labour on heavy Soils, improved Climate, 
S^c, Sfc. — There is not the least doubt but that draining is bene- 
ficial under all the above heads, but somehow we farmers do not 
finish our experiments and improvements out, by comparing the 
produce and returns. We see and judge from the appearance of the 
crops whether such and such things answer, and act accordingly ; 
but when it is required to state particulars we are at a loss. Such 
is my case with regard to the increase of produce, but I continue 
draining on ; besides, the improved culture you are able to carry 
on must increase the produce and returns. The greatest and 
quickest return I know of was where part of a piece of land was 
lurrow-drained with tiles by a kinsman of mine in the vale of 
Gloucester ; the whole piece was planted with barley, and the 
extra crop on the part that was drained more than paid the whole 
expense, besides the extra straw. Now if it had such an effect one 
VOL. IV. z 
