Farm drainage / The Principles, Processes, and Effects of Draining Land with Stones, Wood, Plows, and Open Ditches, and Especially with Tiles

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23435

Title

Farm drainage / The Principles, Processes, and Effects of Draining Land with Stones, Wood, Plows, and Open Ditches, and Especially with Tiles

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Henry F. French's 1860 treatise offers American farmers a comprehensive guide to land drainage, blending scientific principles with practical field instructions. The book evaluates methods ranging from open ditches to tile systems, addressing costs, soil mechanics, and the transformative effects of removing excess moisture on crop yields and soil temperature.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Farm Drainage*, Henry F. French presents a comprehensive manual addressing the critical need for land drainage in American agriculture. French argues that drainage is often more necessary in the United States than in England due to distinct climates and soil types. The text traces the history of drainage from Roman times to the American introduction of tiles, systematically analyzing the physics of water, including rain, evaporation, and filtration. French explains how wet lands freeze deeper in winter and warm slower in spring, directly impacting crop germination. The book catalogs various drainage methods, ranging from open ditches and brush drains to mole-plowing and the use of stones and wood, with a specific emphasis on tiles. French provides detailed tables regarding pipe capacity, excavation costs, and the number of tiles required per acre. He stresses the importance of proper depth and direction, warning against shallow drains that fail to protect against frost and advocating for deep systems that allow roots to access deeper moisture reserves. A significant portion of the work addresses the economics of drainage. French contends that drainage is no more expensive than fencing and can save substantial labor costs by extending the growing season and preventing crop loss. He details the costs of tiles and machinery, offering estimates for materials and labor. Furthermore, he addresses potential obstructions, such as tree roots (particularly poplars and willows), frogs, and silt, providing solutions like silt-basins and protective grates at outlets. French also explores the legal and social implications of drainage, discussing rights to water flow and the impact on neighboring streams. He includes specific chapters on draining cellars, swamps, and stiff clays, illustrating how techniques adapt to different terrains. Throughout, he cites experiments by contemporaries like Mr. Parkes and Mr. Mechi to demonstrate that drained land warms faster, holds water effectively through capillary attraction, and produces higher quality crops. The book concludes with practical directions for laying tiles, selecting tools, and maintaining the system, serving as both a scientific treatise and a field manual for the progressive farmer.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Science
• Agriculture