IRRIGATION INVESTIGATIONS. 73 



utilization under the peculiar cliniatic conditions of this part of the 

 country. Professor Stout also assisted in the interstate water-ritrht 

 studies carried on on the Platte liiver. 



INVESTIGATIONS IN THE HUMID REGION. 



In the humid region we arc cooperatinjr with the State experiment 

 stations of Wisconsin, Missouri, and New Jersey in the study of the 

 advantaj»es of irriji^ation and the best means of apply in<f water to crops 

 in the eastern half of the United States. 



An investiofation of the re<iuirements of cranberry irrioation is 

 being carried on in cooperation with the State experiment station of 

 Wisconsin, under the direction of Prof. A. K. Whitson. It includes 

 a study of l)oth the irrioation and drainaj^e requirements of this crop. 

 Wisconsin has provided for the carrying out of this work, and a lease 

 has ])een secured from the Wisconsin Cranberry Growers' Association 

 of about 9 acres of land 10 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. In this 

 the association has already planted a number of ditierent varieties of 

 vines representing all those grown in the United States and Alaska, as 

 well as others received from foreign countries, including Norway, 

 Russia, Siberia, and Canada. With this there are 2 acres of standard 

 vines, and the results of applying diftcrent quantities of water and 

 different methods of application will )>e studied. A small reservoir 

 has })een constructed and measurements of seepage and evaporation 

 have ali-eady been l)egun. The success of the cranberry industry 

 depends upon the proper use and control of water. It must be 

 applied at the right time and withdrawn (juickly at the right time. 

 Until the last few years there was no attempt made in growing cran- 

 berries in AVisconsin to exm'cise control over the water. If nature 

 failed to cover the vines at the right time or uncovered them at the 

 wrong time the crop would sutt'er. The seven; drought of 1895 

 almost destroyed the industry in that State. With the revival of this 

 industry have come better methods. Dams arc l)einir ])uilt to collect 

 the surface water. Canals are being constructed to carry water 

 pum[)ed from the streams. The development of the industry and the 

 extension of the area under cultivation have l)rought new ditHculties. 

 Moif water is needed, re<(uiiing larger ditches. Greater uniformity 

 in the matt<'r of drawing oti" water is imperative to prevent the opera- 

 tions of one neighl)or damaging those ])elow him. Much litigation 

 has been caused In a lack of arrangenuMits for cooperation and by the 

 consti'uction of inadecjuate woi'ks. This calls for more knowledge as 

 to th(! i)iinciples which should govern in this work, which this Otlice 

 is endea\oring to collect and i)rovide. In order to make this eti'ective 

 expert din'ction is needed. Thi-ough tlu' lack of this, many costly 

 failures have occurred. The work undertaken is being prosecuted 

 along the following lines: 



