Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-04-13
DRAINAGE.-Persons who have had

yearly employed in this branch of in
dustry shows conclusively the belief,
both in its utility and necessity, If the
results themselves, were not a suf-
ficient argument in its favor. Some
of the most valuable land in the coun-
try were, only few years ago, Who'll
ly worthless on account of their damp
marshy nature. By skillful draining
they have become the most produc-
tive. The benefit in such instances
was marked and unmistakable. There
are still immense tracts of land which,
owing to their wet and marshy nature,
are unfit for cultivation, and could be
redeemed from their worthless condi-
ton by draining. Besides this almost
every farmer had more or less land
lying idle, because at those times
when it should be plowed it is too
wet for cultivation. When it rains
the water stands on it, and much of
the time stock cannot go upon it, nor
can wagon be driven over it. ALI
such land can be made fruitful, often
the most fruitful by draining.
Draining is not accompanied with
the amount of labor or expense that
many persons who have had no ex-
perience believe. The ditch is pre-
pared with a ditching machine, or by
blowing a deep furrow, and then spa
ding it six or eight inches wide, and
about three feet deep. Earthen tiles
are mostly used. They are made
about twenty inches long, cylindrical,
and have bore two inches in diane
ter. The first tiles were made with a
collar or shoulder at the end, but this
is no longer used. The ends are made
straight, and when laid, face close up
to each other. The soil is then filled
in. There is no need for layer of
gravel or other loose substance next
to the tile, as they drain off the water
better by having the soil laid next to
them. The pipes are porus and each
drain will exhaust, or drain off from
twenty to thirty feet on each side of
it.
Those who have had most exper-
fence in draining say that it deepens
the staple soil, and makes it more
loose and friable. The surplus water
which causes the formation of iujuri-
Gus chemical compounds, always found
in pools of stagnant water, is carried
off, and the soil can be cultivated to a
greater depth. 1t is also rendered
more capable of absorbing moisture
in dry weather, besides enabling crops
to be planted earlier, and making
them produce more abundantly. 1t
not only increases the fertility of the
soil, but materially changes its aspect
and temperature. Wet and swampy
ground is transformed into dry and
productive soil, while the superfuous
water is carried off, freeing the atmos-
phere from lowering vapors, which
are injurious to life and health. In
seasons of heavy rains the superhuous
water is speedily and safely carried
off, so as to admit Of working the soil
without unnecessary delay.
There are few farms, portions of
which would not pay well for the ex-
pense Of draining, especially when it
r can be done 50 cheaply. 1t is far bet
ter, by draining and deep blowing, to
cultivate a few acres well, than to
farm a great many indifferently. Fifty
acres which produce full crops are
more profitable than hundred which
) yield only half crops. If those who
grow poor crops would blame the
weather and the seasons less, would
+, drain more, pillow deeper. and enrich
the soil by grasses and manures, they
D would find that the weather and the
D seasons are not so much to blame for
the failures after all.-Deitz's Farm
; Journal.
i THE COLFAX STRAWBERRY. - The
I ColfaX strawberry is attracting some
t attention and it is said to be superior
D to many varities in cultivation. A cor
d respondent of the Practical Farmer
{ says:
= "SOme fifteen years ago, Hon. Schuy
n Ter Colfax introduced into South Bend
. Ind, a number of Seeding strawber
e ries, that had been presented to hin
0 by an ameteur friend; among then
+ was this sort, which came to be highl,
i regarded by many Of the best Judge
} of fruit in that vicinity. Its peculiar
h tiles are, wondrous vigor of plant, re
: spending promptly to care and cul
1t ture, and also fighting its way success
p fully against weeds and grass, whel
: neglected; it yields good crops wher
most other sorts would die out: i
k produces an enormous stool, far SUI
% passing the Green Prolific and Agri
u culturist, and its dark green, luxuri
p ant foliage has very gorgeous an
ID pleasing appearance. 1t is perfect
~ hardy-never having been injured i
IS the least by the severest winters, an
sr the heat and drouth of summer doe
not burn its foliage or prevent its me-
u turing its fruit. But its astonishin
I productiveness is its distinguishin
u feature-undoubtedly surprising an
other sort in that respect. Fruit, M
* dunn size, symmetrical and very un
ne form-hanging in clusters that hav
er been the establishment of all who hav
10 seen it; color very dark crimson
ed flavor sub-acid, with very large pc
centage of juice. Not sufficiently fir
X for distant market, but for the am
r. teur who wishes to produce great r
suits, and to the family who require
sure crop of fruit, even without car
= it has no equal. Season medium
he very late"
,er "a Kentucky farmer recommend
iH' that wool growers pasture their shet
U with cattle as an efectual preventi'
of ravages by dogs. He has followt
this practice for MANY years and h