IRRIGATION IN MONTANA 



In the early stages of agricultural development in Montana, as in 

 the other arid States, the economical use of water was not important. 

 The supply was large in proportion to the demand, and securing capi- 

 tal to build irrigation works, and methods of building ditches, prepar- 

 ing land, and applying water were the important matters. But those 

 conditions are passing, and the State is entering upon the stage in 

 which continued agricultural development will depend upon the eco- 

 nomical use of its water supplies. 



This report is based upon a stud}^ of the history of irrigation 

 development and of present practice, made for the purpose of deter- 

 mining whether the existing methods and institutions will lead to the 

 ])est use of water. The work included the study of irrigation practice 

 in Gallatin and the Yellowstone valleys; seepage losses from ditches 

 and methods of prevention throughout the State; volmne of return 

 seepage through streams in the Bitter Root Valley; and water-right 

 records in the Gallatin Valle}'. It is believed that this study of typ- 

 ical localities gives a fair understanding of conditions throughout the 

 State. 



LAND AREAS. 



As to the extent of land, ever}' man, woman, and child now living 

 in Montana might obtain a half section if its 93,000,000 acres were 

 ecjually distributed. AVith the development of agriculture and the 

 growth of population nearly every acre can be made to yield its trib- 

 ute to the farmer. On the elevated ranges, with their snow-capped 

 peaks and forest growth, it is hoped the fuel and lumber will be pro- 

 tected and conserved for succeeding generations. Here will also be 

 found the natural storage reservoirs, which will yearly hold back the 

 water for the farmers of the valleys. On the uplands which are too 

 high to be reached by irrigation canals will be found the dry farms 

 of wintei'-sown grains, while above these extend millions of acres of 

 nutritious grasses. 



On June 30, 1903, there were over 18,000,000 acres of Government 

 land in the State open for occupation by individuals under the various 

 laws. On the same date there was nearly 40,000,000 acres unsur- 



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