WATER SUPPLY AND IRRIGATION, 177 
show returns varying from 77 to a maximum of 259 per cent. on 
the original cost of the works, it is inconceivable that fields 
parallelled only, if parallelled at all, by those of Australia and 
alifornia, can be left much longer unwrought.” 
This description, however true it may have been in its applica- 
tion to the districts alluded to at the time it was written, is 
scarcely parallel with the conditi li 
Colony ; but after maki 1] f 
_Tnust have a great influence on the advancement of agriculture, is 
Water and population are necessary. The former we possess, and it 
only needs capital and skill to divert it into channels where it will 
be at our com and, ti : 
Colony , instead of being carried wastefully to the ocean, a practical 
ire on our plaints and prayers: the latter—population—must, as 
far as the dr districts are concerned, follow, not precede, such 
uch less than what it is in many ot 3 
ar of its natural evenness and on account of the small quantity 
Simber to be dealt with. oe th 
The few attempts at irrigation that have been made in the 
“uverine district have been conducted under great disadvantages, 
Pe water h 
Uently increased to a ve eat extent; notwt ng th 
great drawback the results rang been very satisfactory, and point = 
— * 20St unmistaka 
