PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUMMER MEETING. 33 



reaching their outlet. In order that such streams could be used for irri- 

 gation to the full extent where they pass through different farms belong- 

 ing to different owners, it will be necessary for the several states to pass 

 some general law under which farmers can organize and utilize the 

 streams for the benefit of all, and for the protection of each in such 

 rights as may be acquired, such rights to become a part of the realty and 

 pass with the laud when sold or otherwise disposed of. 



I have another irrigating plant on my home farm, though not on so 

 extensive a scale, as it is used mostly for a few acres of garden. Select- 

 ing a suitable place in a small ravine just below where the springs come 

 out of a bank, I built a dam, making a pond covering a space of about one 

 fourth of an acre. From this pond, water is conveyed through three-inch 

 continuous pipe, made of waterlime and sand, about 100 rods. The out- 

 let is from another pond from which we get ice in winter, and from which 

 the water is taken for irrigating the garden. Water is also taken from 

 several places along the line of pipe, for watering the plants. If the 

 asparagus or beets or onions or cabbage or any other vegetables or plants 

 or flowers need water, they get it. IS'o one who has not made the experi- 

 ment can conceive the pleasure it creates to give the cup of cold water 

 (not too cold) to these thirsty plants. It is an added pleasure to farm life 

 that turns the prose of it for the time being into genuine poetry. While in 

 that poetic frame of mind, if one listens he seems to hear, and does almost 

 hear, the approval'of Him who created the plants, and flowers, and fruit 

 for man's benefit and enjoyment. 



We call it cruel and criminal to place an animal in a dry time where he 

 can get no water to quench thirst and relieve suffering; and we are held 

 responsible unless it is beyond our power to give relief. Is it not just as 

 cruel and criminal for us to set out plants and let them suffer for the want 

 of water when the means are within our reach to quench their thirst by 

 irrigation? If not by irrigation, then by that kind of cultivation that 

 conserves the moisture already in the soil and brings it up within the 

 reach of plants where they can drink at pleasure. If animals have souls, 

 however small they may be, may not the vegetable kingdom claim equal 

 recognition? The day may come, as we see more clearly our relation to 

 the Creator and his creation, when cruelty to plants of our own setting 

 will bring upon us the same censure that now follows cruelty to animals. 



Along industrial lines the world is moving with a rapidity never before 

 known; and if the tillers of the soil would keep steady and elastic step in 

 the fj'ont ranks of progress, all the latent powers of the brain as well as 

 muscle must be aroused, that they may avail themselves of all the helps 

 that nature has given them. If irrigation is to aid them, the time is 

 opportune for devising by experiment the best and cheapest means for 

 accomplishing the end sought. 



