246 
On the Failure of Deep Draining 
return to the strong clays, a proof of the obstinacy with which 
they will retain wet near the surface, without such conditions at a 
greater depth in the earth as to prevent the escape of the water, 
could it percolate through the clay, may be seen on the estate of 
Sir O. Mordaunt, near Warwick, There draining is required, 
although the subsoil, at a depth of little more than 4 feet, is a dry 
sandstone. 
Soil, 15 inches. 
Clay, 3 feet. 
Dry sandstone. 
This is also the case in many other parts of England — the clay 
resting on dry chalk, sand, and stone. Now if water will freely 
percolate through 4 feet of stiff clay to reach a line of pipes 
30 and 40 feet apart, how is it that it will not reach an absorbent 
material that spreads eager for more, like a thirsty sponge, 
beneath the whole of its lower surface ? Simply because the clay 
is not overcharged with water, and does not transmit it. 
In Worcestershire deep draining has been tried upon the 
strong clays of the blue lias with ill success many years ago, as 
Mr. Bayles, of Prospect House, near Evesham, in that county, 
has had to redrain land on account of the inefficiency of deep 
drains. The following is his letter : — 
Prospect House, near Evesham, Worcestershire, January 31, 1847. 
Dear Sir, — I have drained one field over again, owing to its being too 
deep. The drains are from 3 to 4 feet ; the land being strong stiff clay ren- 
dered them useless for surface water ; the new drains I have put in about 2 feet, 
and filled them with broken stone or burnt clay. As to my sandy or porous 
soil, I prefer draining deep. Yours, &c. G. Bayi,es. 
W. B. Webster, Esq., &c. &c. 
I have seen similar instances of failure in other estates in the 
same county, in the vale of Evesham. 
I shall add a letter from Mr. Randall (the gentleman who 
wrote an article on burning clay in a former Journal), likewise of 
that neighbourhood (although it refers to no case of the failure of 
deep drains), as it is founded upon experience. 
Chadbury, near Evesham, February 16, 1847. 
Dear Sir, — I can give )'0u my opinion of draining clays for surface water 
in a very few words : it is that 1 would not put in pipes at a greater depth than 
3 feet, nor less tharn 2^ feel. This is the result of some experience. I fully 
consider 2^ feet sufficient. Yours, &c. C. Randall. 
W. B. Webster, Esq., &c. &c. 
Now if the advantage of deep over shallow draining is so 
decided in all cases, how is it that those who have tried 3 feet do 
