ALKALI AND WATER LOGGED LANDS 



Introduction. 



HE OBJECT of this bulletin is to place before the public 

 authoritative information regarding the practicability of 

 reclaiming by means of sub-drainage, alkaline arid water- 

 logged lands generally, and with specific reference to and 

 urging the development of the major portion of an area of 



land approximating 50,000 acres lying between Salt Lake City and 



Great Salt Lake. 



This area of desert and in many sections unsightly waste is 

 in excess of ten per cent of the total acreage of Salt Lake County, and 



is equal to forty per cent of 

 its improved land in farms. 

 The articles contained 

 in this issue, which have 

 been generously contributed 

 by authorities, whose opin- 

 ions are final in all matters 

 pertaining to reclamation, 

 should leave in the minds of 

 even the most skeptical, no 

 doubt whatever relative to 

 the feasibility of successful 

 reclamation of alkaline and 

 water logged lands by 

 means of drainage. 



There can be no question 

 regarding the efficiency of 

 drainage, but largely influ- 

 encing its economic success 

 is the factor of proper out- 

 let for drainage waters. It 

 therefore follows that in 

 every district where a drain- 

 age system is contemplated, this primary element should be the sub- 

 ject of careful investigation. 



Topographical conditions under *vhich successful drainage of the 

 land west of this city must be accomplished, are such as to require 

 much attention to this important feature. The altitude of the land with 

 reference to the varying levels of Great Salt Lake (upon which depends 

 the practical operation of a gravity drainage system) renders this con- 

 sideration one of unusual importance. To the end of supplying a 

 small measure of accurate information on the subject of elevations, the 

 Commercial Club secured the services of a competent engineer, who 



