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bition of city people for a water supply in a cheaper way on 

 our lands that have natural or artificial drainage for use in 

 irrigating our crops ? And in this line I propose to ask your 

 attention ; but first reminding you of that far-reaching and last- 

 ing remedy now urged by nation, state and individuals, namely 

 the promotion, and increasing, of our forests, all over the 

 country, as the preservers and increasers of all the present 

 water-supplies, which are to-day, and must for all future time 

 be looked to as the sources for domestic, mechanical, fire and 

 farming purposes. The forest is the home of our springs, be 

 they on the more distant mountains or hills, or on the lower 

 land. Herein we see sufficient reason for doing all that is 

 possible to encourage every effort to build up a forest 

 industry which is capable of giving an increased field for the 

 profitable employment of intelligent labor. 



IRRIGATION. 



I have long thought that the subject of irrigation was one 

 which deserved the thoughtful consideration of our farmers, 

 and some may smile, thinking of the large burdens of debt 

 weighing upon many cities from the introduction of water- 

 works. But do not let this frighten you. 



Let me tell you the opinions of Captain John B. Moore, of 

 Concord, upon this subject in his words taken from a discussion 

 at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society's rooms, in 

 Boston, and let me add that Mr. Moore raises successfully al- 

 most everything he undertakes. He said that he had studied 

 the subject carefully, and if there was anything that he was 

 proud of, it was his success in irrigation and drainage. " The 

 natural way of watering is by rain, and no one has yet im' 

 proved on it. He had used water for artificial irrigation for two 



