204 



CALIFORNIA FRUITS: HOW TO GROW THEM 



DEVELOPMENT AND STORAGE OF WATER 



It is, obviously, beyond the limitations of this work to attempt 

 an extended review of irrigation enterprises and practices. The 

 enterprises undertaken by capitalists, or by co-operation among 

 settlers, require the services of competent engineers. All these 

 matters are too great in extent and variety to be discussed in this 

 work. As, however, it has been the aim of the writer to aid the 

 inexperienced planter to help himself in small efforts, a little space 

 will be given to suggestions as to how a planter may develop, and 

 use such small water supply as may be derived from spring, small 

 creek or well, on his own land without employing an engineer. 



Running Lines for Irrigating Ditches. How far to go up a 

 creek in order to bring water out upon a given piece of land is a 

 question which frequently arises in individual practice. There is 

 also doubt as to how much fall should be given to the ditch. The 

 fall required by a ditch or canal depends upon the amount of water 

 which it is desired that it should discharge, and upon the width 

 and depth with which it is intended that the water should flow. 

 It may also be dependent upon the character of the soil in which 

 the ditch is to be constructed, and upon the peculiarities of the water 

 itself. A strong current in soft soil may cause mischievous ero- 

 sions. Water carrying much sediment must never be allowed to 



A homemade leveling instrument. 



move sluggishly, as clear water sometimes may. It is best to state 

 the requirements to a competent engineer and act on his suggestion, 

 or secure the counsel of a neighbor who has had experience with 

 similar soil and water. 



.Having decided what fall to give the ditch, the nearest point 

 at which water can be taken out of the creek to be brought to a 

 certain piece of land is found by commencing with the point at 

 which the water is to be delivered (generally the highest point of 



