304 DEVELOPMENT OF WATERING PLACES 



shown that the average cost of eight reservoirs on the Lincoln 

 National Forest, with an average capacity of 1,250,000 gallons, 

 was $506; of six reservoirs on the Prescott Forest, with an aver- 

 age capacity of 216,000 gallons, was $183; and of seven reservoirs 

 on the Tusayan National Forest, with an average capacity of 

 473,000 gallons, was $247. 



Wells. — The essential features of a good well are an ample 

 supply of clear pure water, a location which renders it reason- 

 ably free from impurities, and a casing or curbing which is proof 

 against vermin. 



Throughout the arid West comparatively few places are found 

 where well water may be obtained at moderate depth. Most 

 wells in the drier regions must be drilled. The best-known 

 region where livestock is watered by means of deep wells is in 

 the Panhandle of Texas. Here water of unlimited quantity is 

 found at depths varying from 150 to 300 feet. The cost of such 

 wells is from $350 to $500. To this must be added the cost of a 

 steel or wooden windmill, with pipe, cylinder, and other necessi- 

 ties, which is $150 to $300; or, if the windmill is not used, the 

 cost of a gasoline engine. Wells so equipped may be relied upon 

 to furnish water for 350 to 500 cattle throughout the season. 

 On the better improved ranges of the Panhandle region a well 

 is located at approximately the center of every four sections, 

 and the animals are not obliged to travel more than 2 miles in 

 any direction for water, a very satisfactory distance both for 

 stock and pasture. 



Neariy the entire western portion of Texas is underlaid by artesian waters 

 ranging from 150 to 1,500 feet below the surface. Wherever the drainage 

 slopes are not too precipito us, artificial tanks may be formed across the draws 

 by building dams, and if the bottom of the tank is carried down to hardpan, 

 or is puddled before being filled, a supply sufficient to last through the dry 

 season may be secured at small expense. Such tanks or wells, either artesian 

 or where the water is lifted by windmill pumps, should be provided at least 

 every 4 miles over the range, so that cattle will never have to travel more 

 than a couple of mUes to water. Where the wells, waterholes, or tanks are 

 8, 10, or more miles apart, as they very frequently are on some of the western 

 ranges, cattle greatly overstock the range in the vicinity of the water, espe- 



