The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1895-09-19

thing is certain, however, that IL we
would keep up with the progress of the
age, we must learn to utilize cur an
nual rainfall, more than ample for the
needs of our crops, but most abundant
at the season that they need it least.
ny collecting even part of this
amount, and keeping it ready for use
IN case OF emergency, we become prac.
tlcally independent of the seasons, and
are secured against the unfortunate
effects of drouth. But, to do this eco.
nomically and successfully, requires
technical knowledge and skill, and
must depend on more certain f6unda-
! ton than few directions from an ag-
ricultural journal
Will you give me some information
concerning irrigation? Will silos do in
this latitude? A. G. M Zebulon, Ga.
ANswER.-1. We are glad to note the
awakening interest in this question,
which, in view of the fact that our
| heaviest rains come at seasons when
| our crops could do best without them,
| points to the Importance of preventing
the escape of this water into our rivers
and streams. and to collecting it and
placing it where it can be called for
and supplied on demand.
Another reason why we should con-
slider and study plans of irrigation is,
that in the earlier days of our agricul-
culture, when our lands were fresh and
filled with moisture absorbing humus,
the rains were retained for longer
time in the soil Now, much Of the
water washes over the lands and pass
es off in the spring and fall foods.
The forest, too, once prevented the dry
ing winds, which now carry off so
much of the needed moisture. So
much for some of the benefits to be de-
rived from irrigation. The question of
its practically has been most success
fully demonstrated on the arid lands of
the far west. Where, however. its cost
IS greater than the profit derived from
its application, it would be folly to at
tempt it. For instance, if the land is
| SO high that to raise the water and re-
tain { in reservoirs would consume too
| much of the proceeds of the crop; or if
the land is so low as to require costly
system of subsoil drainage; or if the
| fertility of the land does not Justify
the outlay of capital and labor, both
considerable in any successful effort of
irrig alton. Even a small mistake may
bring disaster in system which has
] to be calculated very accurately. The
amount of water needed must be esti-
mated and decided on beyond the pos
sibil.ty of a doubt. An inadequate
supply would entail great loss of crops
and expenditure of money; while an
excessive amount necessarily implies
additional and needless expense. In
the calculation of the amount of water
required, three important points should
be considered: First, soil; second, sub
soil; third, climate. Gravelly soils will
not retain water; sand will absorb on
| ly a small amount and retain it but
a short time; heavy clay and garden
soils absorb and retain large amount;
! while humus absorbs and gives back
least. that is, loses least by evaporation,
The following table. by Shubler,
shows the capacities of different soils
for absorbing water and their power of
retaining it The soils were first
weighed, then thoroughly saturated
with water, and the increase in weight
noted. They were then spread over
equal surfaces: