IRRIGATION AND THE FLORA OF THE PLAINS. 
BY E. L. GREENE. 
Tue system of irrigation is destined to effect some interes 
changes in the aspect of the western plains in regard to their bot- 
any, as will appear from a few facts which we subjoin as the 
sult of observations made in Colorado during the past two seaso 3 
It might be expected that refreshing streams conducted through : 
this naturally rich, but extremely arid soil, would have flowery 
banks. So indeed it does sometimes happen, and so it we 
always be if the diggers of ditches would make them broad an 
shallow, with gradually sloping banks, instead of digging te 
narrow and deep and leaving the sides perpendicular. i 
God speed the labors of the “grim utilitarian ;” for when? 
has plowed, and scattered the ‘precious seed,” we know 
with the wheat, there will spring up and bloom the purple 
cockle, and the yellow evening primrose—one joy for him a 
three for us. Or, if his skill divides the mountain stream, causing’ 
portion of its waters to turn from their natural course adown 
valley, and leads them over the thirsty plains that lie 
the happier are we; for while now from the face of the “d 
he reaps golden harvests, we see-it “rejoice and blossom 
rose.” 
We will suppose that the reader is a botanist, and that 
come out from the far Atlantic shore, to pass a few summer ” 
among the mountains. Arrived in Denver, the next point to 
gained is Golden City, the gateway to the mountains. He ™ 
traverse this short distance in less than a half hour by rail, P 
this mode of conveyance, excellent as it is, some three tho 
miles, more or less, he is now doubtless tired; besides, he 
to see something of the vegetation of the plains before lear 
them for the rocks and the pine-forests, the alpine bogs, and 
fields of perpetual snow. You then take this little trip to 9” 
City on foot. It is July or August. There has been 20%” 
these many weeks. The road is miserably dusty, but if ee 
on foot (or on horseback) you need not follow it, and the 
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