Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1867-08-23

The dry weather that follows the closing Of
Summer is favorable time for draining low,
or naturally moist lands. At this season the
natural springs are diminished, the ground is
settled, and other labor on the farm permits
attention TO such work better than at any 9th
er season. Thorough draining, as means
towards the successful improvement of wet
soil, is an acknowledged fact. But the ex-
pense, with the uncertainty Of immediate
profit, frightens many farmers from judi
cious system of ditching and draining lands
which would be the most productive and val
liable of their estates. Again. there are
lands convenient for outlet and full Of water,
which would cost little. save labor, to render
the drainage perfect. Yet these lands fre-
quently remain in their natural state year af
ter year, producing crops cf little value, and
passing from one proprietor to another, with
out improvement.
There is no data, or estimate in general,
whereby to ascertain the net cost Of draining
per acre. Everything viii depend on the ma
ture of the soil, the cost of labor, material,
depth and extent of drains &c. Brick tiles
Of the horseshoe, sole and pipe varieties are
unquestionably the best, although more cost
ly- Stone drains are cheaply constructed
where the material is close at hand. Board
and brush drains answer a temporary pur-
pose; but We would advise either of the first
mentioned where land is valuable and capital
is in hand. Underdrainage, unlike some
farm Improvements, never pays if done in q
cheap, unskillful manner, 1t must be exc
cuted with some engineering art, with the OBJ.
ject Of permanency, and of rendering the
soil better adapted to plant growth.
There are fields on almost every farm that
have TOO much water, surplus of which re
tards vegetation by preventing the free access
of the atmosphere; also preventing the de.
composition of food on which the crops, eth
er grass or cereals, depend Such lands is
cold, inert and sour. If under cultivation, il
cannot be ploughed in Spring, until most
other lands are planted; then, if the season il
cold, or wet, the crop is invariably light
frequently not above the cost of cultivation
If in grass, such lands yield coarse, sour hay,
or Indifferent pasturage Manure, rotation
Of crops, and even the best cultivation, fail to
bring remunerative returns. The only RENE
edy is drainage. Sometimes undue moisture
is caused by rainfall only, which can be obvi-
ated by open bitches, where the right fall OF
descent can be reached. More frequently we
find wet land underlaid with an impervious
stratum, along which spring water flows,
seeking an outlet on the surface This water.
and its evaporation, make the top soil too wet
for cultivation or the maturity Of the crops.
Scientific agriculture teaches this great
truth: Drainage increases temperature OF
soils. 1t makes the soil dry. porous and fria-
bic. Ii then absorbs the atmospheric air. the
solar heat and other plant food. 1t also aids
the decomposition OF manures and all veaeta.
bic matters that produce fertility. Here is
the great mystery Of drainage explained.
You dig the trenches, lay The ties, aud Nature
finishes the operation. The superhuous wa.
ter passes off through your drains, the land