In a letter last month, you discussed the subject of the situation of a garden; a few words on the great importance of thorough drainage may not be amiss as a sequel. Having selected your site for a garden, the first thing to be attended to is the drainage. There are few spots but which would be benefited by drains. There are some sharp gravels indeed, but these are unfit for gardens. But whether the soil be strong, even approaching clay, and requiring to be burned to make it porous and workable, or whether light sand, which, if touched when wet, becomes a thorough quag, or even the best friable loam, abundant means ought to be provided for the escape of superfluous moisture. Our present object is to enforce the great importance of deep drainage - we mean, from 4 to 6 feet, according to circumstances; and as reference has been made to low-lying gardens, we would at once say that any spot whose drains are likely to be choked by flood-water is unfit for a garden. Proper outfalls are of first consequence, with gratings for the exclusion of vermin. Great mischief is often the result of rabbits getting into the mains, and not being able to get out again.

In all drainage works - and we have had some little experience in the matter - our maxim is, the fewer mouths the better, even when the area is large; and if you have to carry your mains a little longer, this is no detriment, and even in a garden the pipes made at the present day are sufficient for all purposes, so that no barrel drains are required, as they were formerly, and the expense is consequently less. After deep drainage, whether in field or garden, follows deep cultivation. Soil that has been moved retains moisture and admits air. Such a soil does not readily dry - does not readily drown. Superfluous water is most injurious, and a parched soil is equally unproductive; therefore we say, drain deeply - the distances will be determined by the nature of the soil. Cultivate deeply, especially at first, and let the ground, if possible, be broken up in dry weather. With deep drainage the soil works quicker after winter, or after rain. Crops are earlier as the ground is warmer, fruit-trees more healthy and productive, and the whole affair more satisfactory.

S. X.