nal view of the above described dyke and ditch is shown in the
accompanying diagram, (Fig. 47.)

In all work of this character, it is important to regulate the amount of
work laid out to be done between the spring tides, to the laboring force
employed, so that no unfinished work will remain to be submerged and
injured. When the flood comes, it should find everything finished up and
protected against its ravages, so that no part of it need be done over
again.

If the land is crossed by creeks, the dyke should be finished off and
sodded, a little back from each bank, and when the time comes for closing
the channel, sufficient force should be employed to complete the dam at a
single tide, so that the returning flow shall not enter to wash away the
material which has been thrown in.

If, as is often the case, these creeks are not merely tidal estuaries, but
receive brooks or rivers from the upland, provision must be made, as will
be hereafter directed, for either diverting the upland flow, or for
allowing it to pass out at low water, through valve gates or sluices. When
the dam has been made, the water behind it should never be allowed to rise
to nearly the level of the full tide, and, as soon as possible, grass and
willows should be grown on the bank, to add to its strength by the binding
effect of their roots.

When the dyke is completed across the front of the whole flat,--from the
high land on one side to the high land on the other, the creeks should be
closed, one after the other, commencing with the smallest, so that the
experience gained in their treatment may enable the force to work more
advantageously on those which carry more water.

If the flow of water in the creek is considerable, a row of strong stakes,
or piles, should be firmly driven into the bottom mud, across the whole
width of the channel, at intervals of not more than one or two feet, and
_fascines_,--bundles of brush bound together,--should be made ready on the
banks, in sufficient quantity to close the spaces between the piles. These
will serve to prevent the washing away of the filling during construction.
The pile driving, and the preparation of the fascines may be done before
the closing of the channel with earth is commenced, and if upland clay or
gravel, to be mixed with the local material, can be economically brought
to the place by boats or wagons, it will be an advantage. Everything being
in readiness, a sufficient force of laborers to fi