ke,
and entered it on the map, we are ready to mark these depths on their
respective stakes in the field, when the preliminary engineering of the
work will be completed.

It has been deemed advisable in this chapter to consider the smallest
details of the work of the draining engineer. Those who intend to drain in
the best manner will find such details important. Those who propose to do
their work less thoroughly, may still be guided by the principles on which
they are based. Any person who will take the pains to mature the plans of
his work as closely as has been here recommended, will as a consequence
commence his operations in the field much more understandingly. The
advantage of having everything decided beforehand,--so that the workmen
need not be delayed for want of sufficient directions, and of making, on
the map, such alterations as would have appeared necessary in the field,
thus saving the cost of cutting ditches in the wrong places, will well
repay the work of the evenings of a whole winter.

CHAPTER IV. - HOW TO MAKE THE DRAINS.

Knowing, now, precisely what is to be done; having the lines all staked
out, and the stakes so marked as to be clearly designated; knowing the
precise depth at which the drain is to be laid, at every point; having the
requisite tiles on the ground, and thoroughly inspected, the operator is
prepared to commence actual work.

He should determine how many men he will employ, and what tools they will
require to work to advantage. It may be best that the work be done by two
or three men, or it may be advisable to employ as many as can work without
interfering with each other. In most cases,--especially where there is much
water to contend with,--the latter course will be the most economical, as
the ditches will not be so liable to be injured by the softening of their
bottoms, and the caving in of their sides.

*The Tools Required* are a subsoil plow, two garden lines, spades,
shovels, and picks; narrow finishing spades, a finishing scoop, a tile
pick, a scraper for filling the ditches, a heavy wooden maul for
compacting the bottom filling, half a dozen boning-rods, a measuring rod,
and a plumb rod. These should all be on hand at the outset, so that no
delay in the work may result from the want of them.

[Illustration: Fig. 22 - SET OF TOOLS.]

Fig. 22 - SET OF TOOLS.

Flat Spades of various lengths and widths, Bill-necked Sco