Ll-TTl-R OF TRAXSMITTAL 



U. S. Department of AciuiquLTUKE, 



Office of P^xpeuiment Stations, 



WdshhujtoN, I), a, February 20, 1906. 

 Siu: I have the honor to transmit herewitli a report on Irrigation in 

 ^Montana, prepared by Samuel Fortier, assisted by A. P. Stover and 

 J. S. Baker, under the direction of Elwood Mead, Chief of Irrigation 

 and Draina(»'e Investigations. 



In their study of conditions Professor Fortier and his assistants paid 

 special attention to the means of bringing al)out the more economical 

 use of the water supply, which would make possible the largest devel- 

 opment of tiie State's agriculture. Tiie most conspicuous sources of 

 waste were poorly constructed d'itches, poorly prepared tields, careless 

 use, and lack of public supervision of the acipiirement of rights and 

 of the distribution of water. Owing to the large supply of water as 

 compared with the present demand, there has ))ecn an inditt'erence to 

 these things, especially the need of legislation creating such public 

 control as will insure the peaceable enjoyment of the rights to water, 

 which is necessary to the highest development. In his conclusions 

 Professor Fortier makes certain recommendations which, it is hoped, 

 will help the people of Montana in securing such legislation. It is 

 hoped also that the recommendations of Professor Fortier regarding 

 improvements in the construction of ditches and in irrigation practice 

 may lead to a more economical use of water.' 



It is therefore recommended that the report l)e published as a bulle- 

 tin of this Office for circulation primarih' in Montana, although its 

 suggestions should be of value. to the arid region generally. 

 Respectfully, 



A. C. Tkue, 



Director. 

 Hon. James Wilson, 



Stcretary of Agi'icidture. 



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