Weekly Chillicothe crisis. (Chillicothe, Livingston Co., Mo.) 1878-19??, 1882-12-07

| h'AlaNh
An interesting subject is opened VI
by one of our correspondents in thi
weeks Farmer-lrrigation from wells
The same matter was mentioned il
this paper cditorially some months ago
in reply to queries of a subscriber
and we are pleased to have so good ;
reason as the present letter furnishes
for again referring to the subject.
That irrigation is a good thing wher
thoroughly done is established by the
testimony of many centuries. 1t was
practiced by ancient nations long he.
fore the Christian era, and it is com
mon now in all the regions adjacent to
the Mediterranean sea. 1t was and is
generally done by aqueducts, canals
and bitches, conveying the water over
lands to be irrigated 1t was done in
ancient times by wells, also, especially
in Egypt, and it is so done in some
parts of that country now. There is
nothing in the way Of irrigation from
wells but the lack of water in Sullicirmt
quantity and machinery to raise it. In
such well rs our correspondent says
he has, there ought not to be any Sc
rious obstacles in the way of his sue
cessful irrigation of at least a few acres
of his farm If his water supply is
sufficient he may easily supply the
whole farm.
To irrigate from n well, n reservoir
must be supplied and filled with water
between times of irrigating, so that
when the water is to be used it may be
had in ample quantity. Irrigation is
not needed any more frequently than
rains are, but when it is done the water
ought TO be as plenty as it is in the
dripping clouds, and should not fail in
quantity. Not one well in ten thou
sand could stand a draft of water suili-
cient TO irrigate an acre of land prop
erly if the water were to be drawn rs
fast as it is needed to flow over, or in
furrows through the soil. And, aside
ION storing for quantity, it needs to
be stored for temperature and other at
action. Pure rain water
fresh from the clouds is the best water
for all soils so far as temperature is
concerned, because il is collected in the
air near the place where it is used; but
water running in streams, and well |
water, often contain mineral and veg |
ctablc matter in solution which adds .
greatly TO their fcrtiiHing qualities.
Well water, however, is always colder
when it is freshly drawn than is proper
for immediate use IN giving drink to
plants. BY its remaining some time in
l reservoir it becomes tempered, and
t also receives fertilizing matter from
he atmosphere.
How, and of what matcria! reser-
'oir ought TO be made must depend on
he peculiar conditions ofcvcry particu-
as case. 1t must, of course be higher
han the highest part Of the ground to
% watcred, unless it is to be raised to
he conducting llume or ditch us it is
cnt out over the land. Rock and
cement are regarded universally, we
believe, as the best walls for holding
water when they can be used. If it is
o be above ground wood is the best
Material because it is lighter in weight
han any other substance that would be
trOng enough
For raising the water 4 wind mill is
s good as anything of the same power |
nd time of running. Bucket wheels |
re sometimes used, but they can raise 1
he water no higher than the wheel, :
nd then it must be run By power /
utsidc of the wheel. We know of Il
othing better than wind pumps for
aising water cut of Kansas wells. O
If our correspondent desires any a
on the manner of irrigation "
'c will be pleased to give the best we t,
an. q
While on this subject we will venture "
suggestion on gathering surface c
'ater for irrigation. On most farms r.
| Kansas there are places where large
Of water could be gathered -
'om slopes if a strong cmbankment r
ere made at the bottom TO dam and i
old the water. BY planting willows "
bout such n pond the banks would n
ron become permanent, and by keep ~ ~
Ig the slopes in grass all the time (
lerc would be no wash Immense - :,
of water may be secured in Il
lis way. -