IRRIGATION 311 



None of these methods, however, can be used for water- 

 ing very large areas of land. Hence as the value of farm 

 lands increased newer methods were sought. Shrewd man 

 began to turn longing eyes on the wide stretches of barren 

 land in the West. These waste lands, seemingly so unfertile, 

 become most fruitful as soon as water is turned on them. 

 Could water enough be found ? New plans to pen up floods 



FIG. 270. THE PROCESS OF IRRIGATING CORN 



of water were prepared, and already over two hundred million 

 dollars have been spent in carrying out these plans. Enor- 

 mous dams of cemented stone were thrown across the gorges 

 in the foothills of the mountains. Behind these solid dams 

 the water from the rains and the melting snow of the moun- 

 tains was backed for miles, and was at once ready to change 

 barrenness into fruitfulness. The stored water is led by 

 means of main canals and cross ditches wherever it is needed,, 

 and countless acres have been brought under cultivation. 



