THE LAND SYSTEM NEEDED FOR THE ARID REGION. 2G 
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The methods, then, by which the lands under consideration can be 
obtained from the Government are by taking advantage of the preémption, 
homestead, timber culture, or desert land privileges. 
IRRIGABLE LANDS. 
By these methods adequate provision is made for actual settlers on all 
irrigable lands that are dependent on the waters of minor streams; but these 
methods are insufficient for the settlement of the irrigable lands that depend 
on the larger streams, and also for the pasturage lands and timber lands, 
and in this are included nearly all the lands of the Arid Region. If the 
irrigable lands are to be sold, it should be in quantities to suit purchasers, 
and but one condition should be imposed, namely, that the lands should 
be actually irrigated before the title is transferred to the purchaser. This 
method would provide for the redemption of these lands by irrigation 
through the employment of capital. If these lands are to be reserved for 
actual settlers, in small quantities, to provide homes for poor men, on the 
principle involved in the homestead laws, a general law should be enacted 
under which a number of persons would be able to organize and settle on 
irrigable districts, and establish their own rules and regulations for the use 
of the water and subdivision of the lands, but in obedience to the general 
provisions of the law. 
TIMBER LANDS. 
The timber lands cannot be acquired by any of the methods provided 
in the preémption, homestead, timber culture, and desert land laws, from 
the fact that they are not agricultural lands. Climatic conditions make 
these methods inoperative. Under these laws ‘dummy entries” are some- 
times made. A man wishing to obtain the timber from a tract of land will 
make homestead or preémption entries by himself or through his employés 
without intending to complete the titles, being able thus to hold these lands 
for a time sufficient to strip them of their timber. 
This is thought to be excusable by the people of the country, as tim- 
ber is necessary for their industries, and the timber lands cannot honestly 
be acquired by those who wish to engage in timber enterprises. Provision 
should be made by which the timber can be purchased by persons or com- 
