EDITORIAL. 637 



pumping where carried on by farmers, using different kinds of power. 

 field and laboratory tests to determine the best method of installing 

 and operating pumping plants, tests of different types of pumping 

 machinery to determine their efficiency, and investigations in pumping 

 water to supplement the other available supply. The information 

 gathered will, it is expected, be of great service to pump makers in 

 showing them what conditions must be met, and to farmers in showing 

 them what kinds and sizes of pumps are best suited to their needs. 



During the past five years irrigation has made a remarkable advance 

 along the Gulf Coast. Tobacco and truck farms are being irrigated in 

 Florida, sugar and rice in Louisiana and Texas. Nearly all the 

 water utilized in this region has to be pumped, and more than 

 $5,000,000 has been expended in pumping machinery within this 

 period. The high cost of machinery and of the water lifted makes a 

 knowledge of how to distribute and use it to the best advantage of 

 special importance. It has also created a number of important legal 

 and economic questions connected with the adjustment of rights to 

 water from streams. 



The irrigation work of the Department has had a steady, health} 7 

 growth, and the confidence and interest with wdiich it is regarded are 

 indicated by its cordial relations and the increasing calls for assistance. 

 Because this work has a practical value and importance which appeals 

 to those interested in the problems of irrigated agriculture, the Depart- 

 ment has been able to secure steady increases in the appropriation for 

 it, which started seven years ago with $10,000. The increase granted 

 this year, together with the cooperation of several States and other 

 agencies which have provided funds for the purpose, will enable a 

 considerable extension of its work in this and the related field of 

 drainage. 



