586 EXPEEIMENT STATION RECORD. 



the colonization is based on a prospective rise in land values rather than on 

 prospective crop production; (2) the cost of producing irrigated crops is 

 generally greater than that of unirrigated crops, a fact not fully realized by 

 many prospective settlers; (3) irrigated sections must usually pass through 

 a period of economic depression resulting from the production of crops in 

 excess of local demands. 



Irrigation farming has, however, some distinct economic advantages, many 

 of the lands being in the midst of range lands or near large mining enterprises 

 or centers of trade, and others in a mild climate and long growing season which 

 permit the production of crops that do not thrive elsewhere in this country. 

 The author believes that the prosperity of irrigated laud will depend upon 

 development along one or more of the following lines: "(1) Diversification of 

 crops and development of local industries to such an extent that the raw crop 

 products are largely consumed locally; (2) the production of special crops 

 that can not be grown as well under rainfall or that may be sent to market in 

 seasons when they are not available elsewhere; or (3) the production of larger 

 crops of such high-priced products as can bear the cost of transportation 

 to the general markets of the country." 



Methods and cost of making subdivision on topographical survey for 

 Sunnyside unit, Yakima project, IT. S. Reclamation Service, W. E. AVhit- 

 TiER {Engin. and Contract., 37 {1912), No. 2-'h pp. 669-67^, figs. 2).— A com- 

 plete discussion of the resurvey, revision, and extension of the distribution 

 system of this project, containing about 102.000 acres. 



Irrigation and reclamation, S. McIntosh {Jour. Dept. Agr. So. Atist., 15 

 {1912), No. 8, pp. 806-813).— A brief outline of the history of irrigation in 

 South Australia with a list of the existing and prospective irrigation and 

 reclamation areas. 



Triennial irrigation revenue report of the Bombay Presidency (excluding 

 Sind) for the triennium ending 1910-11 {Trien. Irng. Rev. Rpt. Bombay 

 Pres., 1910-11, pp. IV+lJi5, ^j/s. 3). — This report contains statistical informa- 

 tion, compares the results of successful triennial periods, shows the progress 

 of irrigation works, and gives a detailed list of the works. 



Economic value of drainage, A. D. Wilson {Farmer, 31 {1912), No. 25, p. 

 835, fig. 1). — The author gives figures to show that tile drains, if properly and 

 permanently constructed, will pay back the principal and interest on an average 

 acre in 5 years. In this connection he discusses the requirements of a good 

 outlet, available capital, and competent engineering services. 



Construction and maintenance of open ditches, G. P. Smith {Proc. loica 

 Engin. Soc, 24 {1912), pp. 89-93). — The proper construction and subsequent 

 maintenance of open drainage ditches are dealt with, emphasizing the need of 

 correct design and location, with special reference to cross section and grade, 

 and of careful construction with respect to side slopes, berms, and waste banks. 



Ditching by horsepower, J. C. Scheid {Ind. Farmer, 67 {1912), No. 26, p. 

 1). — These are notes as to the work done by a horsepower ditching machine 

 for tile drainage. It is stated that an average of 300 rods of ditch can be cut 

 in a day and 75 rods of tile laid, at an average cost of from 3 to 3* cts. per 

 rod for both operations, thereby effecting a saving of from 15 to 20 cts. per rod 

 as compared with contract work. 



Some experiments with the curing of tile, G. P. Dieckmann {Cement and 

 Engin. News, 24 {1912), No. 7, p. 207). — The i*esults of a series of experiments 

 to determine the best method of curing cement tile are given, the experiments 

 being made on machine-made tile 8 by 12 in. by 1 in. thiclv, having an average 

 weight of 24 lbs., the mixture being 1 part cement to 3* parts sand. The tile 

 were subjected to different treatments, such as curing in air, immersion in hot 

 and cold water for various periods, and steam curing under varying pressures 



