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

CHAPTER XVI.

Chapter 1678 wordsPublic domain

POWER OF SOILS TO ABSORB AND RETAIN MOISTURE.

Why does not Drainage make the Land too Dry?--Adhesive Attraction.--The Finest Soils exert most Attraction.--How much Water different Soils hold by Attraction.--Capillary Attraction, illustrated.--Power to Imbibe Moisture from the Air.--Weight Absorbed by 1,000 lbs. in 12 Hours.--Dew, Cause of.--Dew Point.--Cause of Frost.--Why Covering Plants Protects from Frost.--Dew Imparts Warmth.--Idea that the Moon Promotes Putrefaction.--Quantity of Dew.