away. They had cut over the forests recklessly in some 

 instances had burned the timber the more easily to get at 

 the soil underneath. They had crowded so much stock on 

 the pasture land that the very roots were being eaten out 

 and the growth destroyed. The washing of the fields had in 

 some places gouged gullies that made it impossible to work 

 the land. Springs and creeks were drying up and in some 

 seasons on some farms there was not water enough for the 

 stock. Some farms were being abandoned. 



Finally the people in the Valley joined together in a "recov- 

 ery campaign." It is interesting how such things start 

 always because of one or two people with vision, energy, 

 and high regard for the community in which they live. 



The owner of the general store and one of the leading 

 farmers read some books on conservation suggested by the 

 county agent and realized what could be done to restore and 

 improve the Valley. For a time they could hardly talk 

 about anything but erosion and water table and contour 

 plowing and vegetative cover and reservoirs and supple- 

 mentary irrigation; and electricity for the farmers, and run- 

 ning water and bathrooms. They talked with the county 

 agent, and went with him over to the agricultural college, 

 had conferences, and brought back bulletins on erosion control, 

 agricultural engineering, and similar subjects. Before it was 

 realized that this was more than a passing fad, they had the 

 farmers and everybody aroused and organized for erosion con- 

 trol, and soil and water conservation. The specialists from 

 the nearby experiment station and from the Government 

 helped to form and to carry out their program. 



Now as you go up to Valley Center, go slowly and notice 

 everything. When you get to the top of this grade stop 

 and get out of your car; take in the picture of prosperity on 

 every side. You will see much forest, some of it still young 

 growth, and many ponds; but also here and there spots of 

 rich pasture land and fine stock; and on every hand you will 

 see some fine farm land, splendid crops, and orchards heavy 

 with fruit. Only the soils of suitable slope and fertility 

 are cultivated; the next best are grazed; and most of the 



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