link of a chain is the measure of its strength."

The simple laying of the smaller sizes of pipes and collars in the lateral
drains, is an easy matter. It requires care and precision in placing the
collar equally under the end of each pipe, (having the joint at the middle
of the collar,) in having the ends of the pipes actually touch each other
within the collars, and in brushing away any loose dirt which may have
fallen on the spot on which the collar is to rest. The connection of the
laterals with the mains, the laying of the larger sizes of tiles so as to
form a close joint, the wedging of these larger tiles firmly into their
places, and the trimming which is necessary in going around sharp curves,
and in putting in the shorter pieces which are needed to fill out the
exact length of the drain, demand more skill and judgment than are often
found in the common ditcher. Still, any clever workman, who has a careful
habit, may easily be taught all that is necessary; and until he is
thoroughly taught,--and not only knows how to do the work well, but, also,
understands the importance of doing it well,--the proprietor should
carefully watch the laying of every piece.

_Never have tiles laid by the rod, but always by the day._ "The more
haste, the less speed," is a maxim which applies especially to
tile-laying.

If the proprietor or the engineer does not overlook the laying of each
tile as it is done, and probably he will not, he should carefully inspect
every piece before it is covered. It is well to walk along the ditches and
touch each tile with the end of a light rod, in such a way as to see
whether it is firm enough in its position not to be displaced by the earth
which will fall upon it in filling the ditches.

Preparatory to laying, the tiles should be placed along one side of the
ditch, near enough to be easily reached by a man standing in it. When
collars are to be used, one of these should be slipped over one end of
each tile. The workman stands in the ditch, with his face toward its upper
end. The first tile is laid with a collar on its lower end, and the collar
is drawn one-half of its length forward, so as to receive the end of the
next tile. The upper end of the first tile is closed with a stone, or a
bit of broken tile placed firmly against it. The next tile has its nose
placed into the projecting half of the collar of the first one, and its
own collar is drawn forward to receive the end of the third, and thu