THE CONQUEST OF ARID AMERICA 



central part of the State. Here a vast expenditure has 

 been made for irrigation works, but efforts at settlement 

 have been almost uniformly disappointing. The expla- 

 nation is found in the altitude, which is from seven thou- 

 sand to eight thousand feet above sea-level. This makes 

 short seasons and limits the farmer's industry to the 

 hardiest class of crops. There is no month in the year 

 when frost is not likely to occur ; yet the country makes 

 a wonderful yield of grain, of vegetables, and frequently 

 of small fruits. There are instances of great prosperity 

 on the part of individual settlers, but as a whole the 

 valley shows a record of failure for those who have at- 

 tempted to make homes there. A striking example to 

 the contrary is seen in a few thriving communities of 

 Mormons. The industrial system which we have already 

 studied in connection with Utah produces the same good 

 results in the San Luis Valley. In view of this fact it 

 must be assumed that the locality will eventually be 

 settled and sustain thousands of prosperous people. 

 Land and water may be obtained more cheaply here than 

 anywhere else in Colorado, and there is a good market 

 for the products of the soil. The costly preliminary 

 work of reclamation has been well done in advance. A 

 labor colony, founded upon wise plans, backed by suffi- 

 cient capital, and inspired and managed by skilful lead- 

 ership, would solve the problem of colonization for the 

 San Luis Valley, while furnishing work and homes for 

 those who need them. The Mormon communities are 

 practically of this character in the beginning. 



The western slope of Colorado constitutes a region 

 entirely distinct. From a casual glance at the map it 

 would be inferred that about two-thirds of the State con- 



156 



