The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1880-02-18
Undertaking with stone.

Seventeen years ago made about forty rods
Of ditch, 2 feet wide, and in places az feet
deep. Having an abundant supply of small
stone, they were thrown in promiscuously IN
nj the drain was filled to within a foot of the
surface. Filling so full was a mistake Mice
made holes down to the stones, and through
their surface wash found admission. Although
very considerable quantity of sediment has
been carried into the drain in consequence
the discharge of water continues uninterrupted.
A plan for undertaking about eighteen acres,
kept wet by the discharge ofnumerous springs
all along the upper side, requiring about 900
rods, was determined on and commenced ten
years ago. About $50 rods were completed the
hrst year, and the remainder last Fall. The
drains have been working effectively since
their construction. Work was begun on the
hillside higher up than the highest springs,
making the drains from two to three rods apart
and from two and one-half to three feet deem.
until the level below the lowest springs was
reached. These laterals were made 10 centre
al the lowest point between the slope of the
hills, giving good fall, and cutting the water
course at right angles. The inequalities Of the
ground rendered the construction of three
main drains necessary to secure an outlet to
the creek on the lower side of the tract. The
laterals running into these on either side were
SO that the water discharging from them would
enter the main drain in a nearly parallel di-
rection
The formations were slate, sand and CLAW.
The bar-plough was the main implement used
In putting the drains 10 the proper depth. The
bottom, when ready for the stones, except near
the source, would be near eighteen inches wide.
the main drains about two feet. To line the
sides have been collecting suitable stone for
years. For cover, the principal part of the
stones were quarried as needed. The stones to
wall the sides-from three TO five inches in
thlckness-were closely fitted together. the
two courses being about five inches apart The
spaces between the sides and the stones FORM
ing the walls Tor the water-course were care
fully filled with spalls and refuse stone. and
the top levelled so as to bring the walls to a
regular height of four to FIVE inches. The OBJ
ject in filling the side spaces was to prevent
wash into the drain and currents along the
sides. The whole surface from side to side
was covered, as the side walls were carried
along, with fat stones, sometimes as many as
two or three, owing TO the thickness, on top of
each other. Experience justifes me in saying
that rough material may be used to cover,
provided care is taken TO close the creyices.
In filing the heaviest clay was pat down first,
great care being taken not to jostle the stones.
The side walls Of the main drains were made
six inches high and the same distance apart.
Indeed, favor large opening in all the drains,
as afording greater security against washes
and deposit Of sediment Where the sand
moved easily, the bottom was covered with
flags, and the side walls placed on them.
Covered to the depth of two and half feet,
there Is little danger Of openings from the sur
face after the ground is well settled. In the
three instances that occurred, in an experience
Of ten years, shoveled out the ground well
down TO the stones. and then packed wet clay
into the cavity, until nearly full, and had no
further trouble. Until the ground is well set
tied over the drain great care should be taken
TO exclude surface water To this end, plough
furrow inward on both sides the whole length
of the drain.-[W. C. Il, NerriHs, Penn.