TOPICS OF THE TIME. 



219 



be only a single item in the account to 

 the owner of a 160-acre farm. If the 

 reader will but compute in his own case 

 the several items of saving in money, 

 time and labor, to say nothing of the 

 satisfaction of driving over good roads 

 and the very considerable enhancement 

 of value to the farm itself, he will find a 

 complete justification for paying twice the 

 amount that will be necessary to effect 

 the percentage of saving suggested. 



Gradually Although the larger irriga- 

 Itnproving. tion companies whose in- 

 vestments amount to hundreds of thou- 

 sands or millions of dollars are not yet se- 

 cui'ing the full number of settlers which 

 their original plans contemplated, and 

 which are necessary to make their in- 

 vestments profitable, there is a steady 

 onward movement which only needs two 

 or three years of normal conditions to 

 bring about a fairly satisfactory situation. 

 The science of practical irrigation is 

 steadily advancing, and each year makes 

 the proof yet more conclusive that it is 

 the most perfect method of crop culture. 

 To the individual farmer, it is almost uni- 

 versally profitable, and it is only neces- 

 sary to make the company investments 

 equally so that the lands shall be fully 

 occupied. Several of the larger com- 

 panies have been unable to pull through 

 the long period of depression without such 

 defaults as compelled re-organization, and 

 in nearly every case there has had to be 

 some indulgence exercised on the part of 

 creditors. As a whole, however, the im- 

 provement of the situation is encouraging. 



Changing It is an altogether erroneous 

 Sentiment. idea that the necessity for 

 irrigation is an objection to agricultural 

 lands. No fruit grower having once ex- 

 perienced the positive advantages which 

 the possibilities for irrigation afford would 

 ever be willing to forego them, and the 

 general farmer will find a positive saving 

 in time, labor and money if he is in 

 position to control the water supply and 

 apply it at his own convenience. From 

 all over the country we get reports of ex- 

 periments being made within the rainfall 

 area, the primary object being, of course, 



to insure against the effects of drought, 

 which though of brief duration often oc- 

 casions heavy loss. The results of such 

 experiments are generally most encourag- 

 ing, and those who make them ought to 

 see that the experiment is properly re- 

 corded as to its cost and effects, with a 

 view to publication for the benefit of the 

 general public. 



Farmers' There was never a time when 

 Institutes. f armer s' institutes, clubs, 

 societies and granges were so actively dis- 

 cussing practical topics of local interest 

 and relating to their vocation. The 

 papers, many of which are given a wide- 

 spread utility by publication, are gener- 

 ally well expressed and indicate careful 

 thought. The preparation of such papers 

 cannot fail to be twice blessed in their in- 

 fluence upon the writer and reader alike 

 and it is such study that adds efficiency 

 and dignity to the farmer's calling. 



Chauncey "Irrigation's the thing," 

 Depew says Chauncey M. Depew, 

 Converted, after a month' strip through 

 the Western States. Like every one else 

 who once enters the domain of King Water, 

 Dr. Depew was converted quickly and 

 easily, and he has now returned to the 

 East to tell the farmers of that section a 

 few of the ' ' Blessings of Aridity. " What 

 matters it if the water does cost some- 

 thing, it's cheaper than fertilizers, and 

 a crop is always assured. More power 

 to the silver tongue of the renowned 

 doctor in teaching the Eastern public of 

 the advantages and possibilities of the 

 Great West instead of the Greater New 

 York. 



Garden The farmer who will give just 

 Luxuries, a little thought and care to his 

 garden may have almost every table lux- 

 ury that is obtainable by the wealthiest. 

 Instead of being the least important feat- 

 ure of the farm it may easily be made the 

 means of the greatest possible satisfaction 

 and comfort for the entire household. More 

 than that there may be berries and fruits 

 of the choicest varieties from earliest spring 

 to the midwinter if the good housewife will 

 pay a little attention to drying and pre- 

 serving. Don't neglect the garden. 



