THE IRRIGA1ION AGE. 227 



and he is to consult with th^e secretary of the interior regarding ways 

 and means of going ahead, Before that, however, as already has 

 been stated, he will formulate a general policy in conjunction with 

 Senator Hansbrough, who is probably the leading irrigation expert 

 n the senate. 



North Dakota will be largely benefited by the new law. Between 

 the point in ther far western part of the state where the Yellowstone 

 empties into the Missouri, and the point east of it where the Fort 

 Berthold military reservation begins, there are numerous points where 

 small reservoirs can be profitably built, for the irrigation of small 

 valleys on both sides of the Missouri river. In the southwestern sec- 

 tion of the state, along the Little Missouri, another chain of small re- 

 servoirs can be placed to advantage, for the irrigation of land on 

 which alfalfa and forage crops can be grown, 



In western South Dakota a line of improvement similar to that 

 suggested above for North Dakota, will be possible. The chief 

 trouble in the Dakotas will be, not lack of land which needs irriga- 

 tion, but lack of water, Save the Yellowstone and the Missouri, 

 their rivers are small. Enough can be done, however, in both states 

 to improve greatly the western plains and increase their population 

 and wealth. 



Under the terms of the new law, the money collected from the 

 sales of public lands within a certain state are to be expended, so far 

 as practicable, within that state. North Dakota, therefore, will de- 

 rive a greater immediate benefit from the law than any other state of 

 the union. There is now in her reclamation fund, available for pur- 

 poses of irrigation, half a million dollars. No other state has so large 

 a sum. Nevada, where irrigation is probably most needed, has only 

 9,000. The receipts from the sale of public lands was greater in 

 North Dakota last year than in any other state. It will be difficult 

 for the secretary of the interior to find opportunities to expend within 

 the state all the money now available there for irrigation works. Of 

 course, those parts of the fund which are not used will be diverted 

 into other states. 



