1917.1 EDITORIAL. 807 



residence requirements of the Reclamation Act with rrference to the 

 supplying of irrigation water. 



The Food Production Act thus provides for the rendering of as- 

 sistance by the Department of Agriculture on a larger scale and 

 along lines of broader scope than ever before. Despite the fact that 

 the bill did not become a law until the crop season of 1917 was past 

 its zenith, and other difficulties inherent in the rapid organization of 

 so great an expansion of work, a comprehensive program has been 

 formulated and the incrca.sed activities provided are being vigorously 

 undertaken. It is believed that if the campaign projected is success- 

 ful, and the American people respond as expected, a marked contri- 

 bution will have been made to the national efficiency and economy. 

 Moreover, the results should be of a.ssitance not only in the existing 

 emergency but should possess considerable residual value of per- 

 manent advantage to the Nation. 



