264 



THE IRRIGATION AGE. 



The Belle Fourche Irrigation Project in Western South Dakota 



Homes for Thousands in a Delightful Country 



By D. H. Anderson 



There are thousands of people in this country who 

 dream of some day owning and living upon a farm in 

 the west. 



Some one has said that dreams are unprofitable. 

 The contrary is true in many instances. The dreamer 

 is usually also possessed of that inestimable quality, con- 

 dition or asset, Hope; without which, for many, the 

 world could die and its passing be a blessing. Tinted 

 tales of success lure us to the distant goal but there is 



One of the most mysterious conditions surrounding 

 the development of any considerable area of what is 

 known as arid land is the value created in a year or two 

 from one or two dollars per acre to a selling price of 

 one hundred dollars per acre, or more. This change in 

 value is, of course, due entirely to the application of 

 water and cultivation, but it is nevertheless interesting 

 and inspiring. Land heretofore uncultivated which has 

 grown only native grasses is turned over, water applied 



Irrigated Farms Under Red Water Canal, Belle Fourche Valley, So. Dak. 



no lure unaccompanied by hope. Hope many of us 

 who are nearing the middle mile stone of life would not 

 sell our capacity for hope for untold wealth. Eosy tales 

 of success without hope do not stimulate. That word 

 implies some undefinable condition which comes after 

 our efforts have been crowned with success. Effort that 

 spells toil and trial, all leading meanwhile to the same 

 indistinct goal. 



To the man who has this capacity, who is willing 

 to work, and whose aim, however high, is reasonable and 

 intelligent, the west presents today a tinted picture and 

 an opportunity. The man who has a growing family, 

 a cheerful and helpful wife, both possessing those prime 

 qualities, energy and industry, may easily prove the fal- 

 lacy of the old saying that dreams are unprofitable, 

 through action which leads to their establishment on a 

 western farm, conducted under an irrigation system, 

 where they may own their own home and work out their 

 life problems amid pure air, healthful sunshine, plenty 

 and delightful surroundings. 



Water in the western country is more than useful. 

 It is ornamental with its mirrored beauties of dawn 

 clouds and evening shadows. Water means the life of 

 a farming enterprise in the irrigation districts. 



and a crop produced which represents a value of say one 

 hundred dollars or more per acre. 





Building of the Butte County Bank, Belle Fourche, So. Dak. 



I have often been asked the question, "What is land 

 worth per acre which will produce, net, to the farmer, 

 twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five or one hundred dollars per 

 acre, annually?" I have as often replied that there is 

 no base upon which to estimate the value of land of that 

 character, as land which will earn, net, $25 per acre, 



