32 



the increased prices obtained often counterbalanced the deficiency 

 in the yield. To-day, however, if there is a shortage in any crop in 

 one locality the market, except in the case of perishable products, 

 may be stocked from long distances away, where the weather condi- 

 tions were perhaps favorable for large yields. The profits obtained 

 by local growers are thus lai-gely dependent on the season, and it 

 frequently happens that the season of poor crops, resulting from 

 lack of rainfall, nearly or quite uses up the profits of favorable 

 seasons. 



The high price of lands in New England, especially in the vicinity 

 of cities and towns, makes it important that relatively large profits 

 be obtained from crops in order to cover taxes and interest. The 

 high price of lauds together with the changed demands of our mar- 

 kets have caused a complete transformation in the methods and in 

 the leading branches of farming. The intensive system of cultiva- 

 tion, where market-garden crops and fruits take the lead, has 

 almost entirely replaced the older or extensive system, where the 

 staple crops, like the cereals, were in the lead. The high value of 

 lands where truck and fruit crops are grown, together with the high 

 value of such crops when grow n, points out the need of some form 

 of protection against drought. Many fruit growers have adopted 

 spraying as an insurance against damage by fungus diseases and 

 insects, and in the same way irrigation may be considered as an 

 insurance against drought which often pays good dividends. 



The sixth reason why irrigation should be more generally used 

 in New England is the natural condition of the country which 

 favors its adoption. New England is an area of uneven surface, 

 cut by many small rivez's which are bordered by fertile valleys. 

 Into these valleys flow numerous small streams which make a rapid 

 descent. In many instances these streams can be diverted and 

 carried along the sides of the valley in such a way as to flood 

 several acres at very little cost. In other cases natural ponds can 

 be tapped or small dams can be constructed and the water from the 

 ponds thus formed be used. In cases where it becomes necessary 

 to lift the water large-sized rams may be used if sufficient fall for 

 forcing the ram can be obtained. 



Some Instances of Successful Irrigation. 

 In the year 1895 the writer made a special study of irrigation in 

 Connecticut and will give a brief description of some of the most 

 successful plants found in operation. The oldest irrigation plant in 

 Connecticut, which is still in operation, is probably located on the 

 farm of Joseph Albiston at South Manchester. The privilege was 

 granted in 1796, the water being taken from a small stream at a 



