fit of the fertilizing matters which our good soil
contains, and for the full effect of the manures which we add.

With our land thoroughly improved, as has been described, we may carry on
the operations of farming with as much certainty of success, and with as
great immunity from the ill effects of unfavorable weather, as can be
expected in any business, whose results depend on such a variety of
circumstances. We shall have substituted certainty for chance, as far as
it is in our power to do so, and shall have made farming an art, rather
than a venture.

CHAPTER III. - HOW TO GO TO WORK TO LAY OUT A SYSTEM OF DRAINS.

How to lay out the drains; where to place the outlet; where to locate the
main collecting lines; how to arrange the laterals which are to take the
water from the soil and deliver it at the mains; how deep to go; at what
intervals; what fall to give; and what sizes of tile to use,--these are all
questions of great importance to one who is about to drain land.

On the proper adjustment of these points, depend the _economy_ and
_effectiveness_ of the work. Time and attention given to them, before
commencing actual operations, will prevent waste and avoid failure. Any
person of ordinary intelligence may qualify himself to lay out
under-drains and to superintend their construction,--but the knowledge
which is required does not come by nature. Those who have not the time for
the necessary study and practice to make a plan for draining their land,
will find it economical to employ an engineer for the purpose. In this era
of railroad building, there is hardly a county in America which has not a
practical surveyor, who may easily qualify himself, by a study of the
principles and directions herein set forth, to lay out an economical plan
for draining any ordinary agricultural land, to stake the lines, and to
determine the grade of the drains, and the sizes of tile with which they
should be furnished.

On this subject Mr. Gisborne says: "If we should give a stimulus to
amateur draining, we shall do a great deal of harm. We wish we could
publish a list of the moneys which have been squandered in the last 40
years in amateur draining, either ineffectually or with very imperfect
efficiency. Our own name would be inscribed in the list for a very
respectable sum. Every thoughtless squire supposes that, with the aid of
his ignorant bailiff, he can effect a perfect drainage of his estate; but
there is a worse