PRINCIPLES OF LAND SETTLEMENT 



clay and sandy loams, given good culti- 

 vation, will sustain crops through many 

 weeks of rainless weather owing to their 

 power of retaining moisture. It is well, 

 however, to bear in mind that a poor soil, 

 close to a great market well cultivated 

 and well fertilized will in all likelihood 

 bring in a far larger return per acre than 

 rich land in a remote part of any Colony, 

 State, or Province. *v 



Next water. What is the annual rain- 

 fall in the district you propose to acquire 

 land? Is there running water on the 

 farm, and can it be used for irrigation 

 purposes at small expense? Is there a 

 waterfall — power from which might be 

 employed to grind corn, wash dishes, heat 

 incubators, and light the homestead ? At 

 what depth has permanent water been 

 struck by boring on the neighbouring 

 farm? Imagine a terrific thunder- 

 plump: Will the water drain naturally 

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