The Reclamation of the West 



2 1 



Xo. 7. Map showing Approximate Location and Extent of Open Range 



in the LTnited States 



" The stock raising or grazing industry will, always occupy 80 or go per cent of the arid 



lands of the West " 



of dealing with water, men may be 

 good citizens, bnt they can not be im- 

 plicitly trusted when it comes to the 

 question of water distribution. In 

 Idaho they have the term "winter 

 friendship." During the summer 

 every man is at war with his neighbor 

 over the division of water, but in the 

 winter these troubles are forgotten and 

 every one is on friendly terms. Sum- 

 mer is the time of storm and strife. So, 

 in everything having to do with water, 

 engineers must have not only knowledge 

 but good sense, tact, and firmness. 



To deal with the interests which are 

 coming up in the distribution of water 

 and the reclamation of land, it is neces- 

 sary to organize the people into associa- 

 tions. These associations under the 

 law must ultimately control and operate 

 the works ; through them the Secretary 

 of the Interior can deal directly with a 

 body of people, and they can divide the 

 water among themselves and settle 

 minor matters as best the}' can. The 

 reclamation of the West is not only a 

 scientific problem, but involves great 

 tact and skill in administration. 



