APPENDIX 225 
water, rubber bands, cloth, sand, loam, clay. Lamp chimneys may 
be used in place of glass tubes. 
Directions, (a) Fasten the two glass plates together by a rubber 
band. Put a thin splint between the plates at one side and set in 
water. Note the varying height to which the water rises between 
the plates, and why. Make illustrative drawing. 
(t?) Put a piece of cloth over the end of each tube and fasten 
with a rubber band. Fill each with one of the soils, set in a pan of 
water, and note in which the water rises the most rapidly. Record 
results as follows : 
HEIGHT OF WATER 
Time 
Sand 
Loam 
Clay 
One half-hour 
One hour . . . 
One day . . . 
Two days . . . 
Continue this for about a week. Note in which the water rises 
highest, and why. Compare the rise indicated with that of oil in a 
lamp wick, ink in a blotter, etc. 
What is the object of compacting the soil over seeds when 
planted I 
IV. Evaporation from the Soil 
Materials. Spring balance, three tin cans with holes in the side, 
string for a bail, soil, fine grass. 
Directions. Nearly fill each can with soil, adding equal amounts 
of water to each. Leave the surface of one can undisturbed. As 
soon as the surface of the second is dry enough, stir it to a depth 
of about one inch, and keep it stirred. Cover the top of the third 
with grass, and weigh. Weigh each can, with the contents, each 
school day for about two weeks, tabulating the results at the end. 
