ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION. 1 3 
One of the most formidable obstructions to securing good drain¬ 
age is mill-dams, located on the natural base-line, which cause 
serious damage to agricultural interests in their locality. In our per¬ 
sonal examination of grass land, we have seen thousands of acres of 
good agricultural land that in its present condition is almost entirely 
worthless, caused by the check of natural drainage. In the discussion 
of this topic we shall assume the position that good drainage is the 
first requisite, in agricultural pursuits, to secure success. The first 
important work in the improvement of grass lands is to secure good 
drainage. Hence, to know where to locate drains is a question for 
careful study and close examination, to secure the best results for the 
least expense. To secure good drainage, it is very important to obtain 
a good outfall to the base-line, which will greatlv increase the value 
of the cross-sectional drains. We are aware of the fact that we cannot 
give a general formula how to drain all classes of land by the same 
class of material, as the surface of the land is very diversified in its 
formation, varying from the bluff-rolling, to almost level plains. We 
would recommend the V-formed open drains as being superior to 
those of other forms. The V form will make a stronger bank, also 
the particles of alluvium will not form at bottom of the ditch, because 
it will increase the velocity of the volume of water flowing through 
the ditch. The size or dimensions of a drain will depend upon the 
volume of water you wish it to convey, and also the condition of the 
surface of the land that you wish to drain. Hence these two condi¬ 
tions will require a careful examination before locating a drain. 
Afrer securing good drainage, our next work will be in preparing 
the soil for the introduction of the grass seed. It is a well established 
fact that we are a strong exponent of the system of surface-culture 
for the improvement of grass lands, in all of the various soils and 
conditions of the surface. I am w ell aware of the fact that I am con¬ 
tending with a time-honored institution—the use of the plov in the 
improvement of grass land—but nevertheless we are willing to sub¬ 
mit our experience in this class of wmrk, and also the specimens of 
grasses grown under our supervision, for the inspection of those 
present. We will note a few of the many reasons why we believe 
the system of surface-culture of grass land to be superior to the use 
of the nlow r , to-w T it: That we are obeying nature’s law, in this sys¬ 
tem of work, in preparing the soil to receive the grass seed. This 
position is demonstrated in the biblical history of grass, as w r e learn 
there the agricultural implements w r ere very rude in their construc¬ 
tion, and meant to perform the work required of them to do in pre- 
