176 IBRIGATIOX. 



yital in this case placed in such keeping. The experi- 

 ence already gathered in the case of the Cavour canal in 

 Italy, proves that a chartered company is a most unsafe 

 trustee for the interests of the persons most nearly con- 

 cerned in an irrigating canal. In that case, while for- 

 tunes were made by speculators, the work was a failure, 

 and the government was forced to interfere and purchase 

 the canal in the end. 



It is, however, out of place to argue this question here, 

 and it is left for the consideration of those interested, 

 who will readily perceive the necessity for the course here 

 indicated. 



The cost of irrigation has been very clearly shown by 

 the successful enterprises in Colorado. It must be 

 remembered, however, that nothing is paid for the 

 water itself, and only the expense of bringing it to the 

 fields is included in the figures given. As a rule, the 

 more extensive the works, and the greater area brought 

 under irrigation, the less is the cost per acre. But it is 

 hardly probable that, in any case, the annual cost per 

 acre, can be brought below an average of $1 to $2 per 

 acre. In many cases the cost may be more than this, but 

 even then, the profit to the owner of the land will be 

 many times greater than the cost incurred. Lands that 

 have gone a begging at $5 per acre, in parts of Califor- 

 nia, and have indeed been practically useless while with- 

 out water, have been purchased eagerly at $25 to $50 per 

 acre, as soon as a supply of water has been brought to 

 them. In general, the extra value added to land by irri- 

 gation, varies from $25 per acre up to several hundred 

 dollars. In some portions of Europe, land is by irriga- 

 tion increased in salable value, five to ten-fold. 



The charge for water in France, varies from $6 to $7 

 per acre, annually; one cubic foot per second, being used 

 for 70 acres, and $450 being paid per cubic foot per 

 second, during the season. No water is permitted to be 



