RURAL ENGINEEBTNG. 813 



exception to this, although the crop was short, the low prices being attributed to the 

 large American crop. As a result of the low rainfall the area Irrigated from the 

 canals and tanks was considerably reduced, but there \\ as a large increase in the area 

 irrigated from wells. In the Bombay Presidency proper more than halt of the t< >tal 

 irrigated area (789,476 acres) was irrigated from wells. In the Bind about one- 

 sixth of the total area (3,000,000) was irrigated from wells. 



The use of water in France, A. Backhaus I Mitt, />< ui. Landw. GeselL, ?0 | 1905), 

 No. 32, pp. 247-254, figs. 18). — Irrigation in the departments of southeastern Prance 

 is reviewed, and the working of State aid for canals is described, with the object of 

 dissipating popular errors as to the extent and possibilities of irrigation in France. 

 * In this connection it is pointed out that "it is an error to suppose that southern 

 France is short of rain and that irrigation i> a prerequisite for farming, but while 

 crops may be raised without irrigation, the application of water insures intensive 

 crops such as market gardens, green fodder, and crops raised by hand labor." It is 

 admitted that while the French can not show as fine meadows as are found in 

 Germany, they excel in canal construction and in irrigation organization. "The 

 unity of the entire water and land system is an important thing in France, and simi- 

 lar provisions are needed in Germany, especially those for placing water rights on a 

 common basis for all Germany and the management of all water affairs under one 

 office. The French system provides for companies or syndicates administering their 

 own affairs under government inspection, usually with government subvention." 



As an example of the working of government aid on a large canal, a case is described 

 where a grant of $700,000, the total cost being $1,100,000, was made to a syndicate, 

 lu-ides a guaranty of 4.5 per cent on the rest of the investment, in the expectation 

 that the earnings would more than defray interest and maintenance. But owing to 

 "a lack of intelligent interest on the part of the farmers, in the face of the example 

 of other departments where irrigation has been successfully practiced for centuries," 

 the government has had to pay an annual deficit to cover the guaranty. 



The necessity of using government funds only in eases where sell-help is stimulated 

 thereby is urged, cases being cited where a single grant or bonus was made with no 

 guaranty with good results. The duty of water, rates paid, and winter irrigation 

 are discussed. The leaching of valuahle constituents from the soil is considered an 

 important matter, in France and Germany, and the liberal use of fertilizers is rec- 

 ommended. An estimate of the actual profits of irrigating meadows and other crops 

 is given. 



Irrigation. A few hints on the preparation of the land and the practical 

 application of water, F. G. Chomlky {Agr. Gaz. N. 8. Wales, 16 {1905), No. 10, 

 }>}>. 1008-1010, figs. 11). — A resume of practice in New South Wales and California. 

 describing furrow and check methods of irrigating, cement ditches, ami wooden 

 sluice boxes. 



The size of irrigated farms {Forestry "/<</ Trrig., 11 (190o), No. 11, j>j>. 516-6 

 An argument in favor of making the homestead unit under national reclamation 

 projects 80 acres rather than 40 acres, based on the probability that alfalfa will be 

 the main crop for a number of years and that more than 40 acres in hay is needed 

 for the reasonable support of a family. 



The diminished yield of underground waters in southern California {Engin. 

 Eec., 52 ( 1905), No. 15, />/>. 405-407). — Underground waters are an important source 

 of supply for irrigation in this region, there being 3,000 artesian wells ami 1,600 

 pumping plants, developing 400 to 500 eu. ft. per sec, irrigating about 150,000 acres. 



The artesian conditions are peculiar in the valley of southern California, the arte- 

 sian basins being formed by a sheet of clay parallel to the surface, at no -teat depth, 

 overlying deep beds of detritus. These basins lie in a series along the course of 

 Santa Ana River, and constitute reservoirs for its storage. Owing to the low cost of 

 driving wells into these basins the drafts on the supply have for years exceeded 



