334 DRY-FARMING 
not to be considered seriously in connection with 
the problem. 
A much more important method, especially in 
the mountainous districts, is the utilization of the 
springs that occur in great numbers over the whole 
dry-farm territory. Sometimes these springs are 
very small indeed, and often, after development by 
tunneling into the side of the hill, yield only a tri- 
fling flow. Yet, when this water is piped to the home- 
stead and allowed to accumulate in small reservoirs 
or cisterns, it may be amply sufficient for the needs 
of the family and the live stock, besides leaving a 
surplus for the maintenance of the lawn, the shade 
trees, and the family garden. Many dry-farmers 
in the intermountain country have piped water 
seven or eight miles from small springs that were 
considered practically worthless and thereby have 
formed the foundations for small village communi- 
ties. 
Of perhaps equal importance with the utilization 
of the naturally occurring springs is the proper con- 
servation of the flood waters. As has been stated 
before, arid conditions allow a very large loss of the 
natural precipitation as run-off. The numerous 
gullies that characterize so many parts of the dry- 
farm territory are evidences of the number and 
vigor of the flood waters. The construction of small 
reservoirs in proper places for the purpose of catch- 
ing the flood waters will usually enable the farmer 
