XCII, T. ROOKE. 
miner’s inch to 5 acres, to 1 miner’s inch to 10 acres, the 
miner’s inch in this connection being defined as a quantity 
equalling 10,800 gallons in 24 hours. This quantity is 
required when the water is delivered in pipes, or cemented 
channels close to the trees or vines to be irrigated, and is 
used during the hot months of May to October. It is 
equivalent to a total of 880 points according to Australian 
units. With care and cultivation this quantity has been 
found sufficient for some orchards. 
The method of applying water governs to a large extent 
the amount used. In the case of alfalfa, flooding is usually 
practised. With small grains, the water is run in furrows, 
in orchards this method is sometimes adopted also, but 
sometimes it is taken to each tree. In the latter case, a 
basin about 6 feet across and 6 inches deep is formed round 
each tree, and partially filled with water. The water is 
applied very slowly, several days being spent in watering 
dS acres. When dry, the ground is thoroughly cultivated. 
The annual charges for water in Southern California, where 
this economy is practised, have been as low as 12s. per 
acre and from this to 24s. or more per acre. In the case 
of the San Diego Flume Co., it is stated that water has 
been sold for $600 per miner’s inch, this being sufficient 
for 10 to 20 acres. At this price the charge for water 
would be £6 to £12 per acre. The annual charge for 
water, taking the arid region as a whole, has averaged by 
States from 2/1 to 8/- per acre, or 5/- per acre for the entire 
country. 
The conditions in Southern California, while they may 
be considered as exceptional, indicate the limiting or ideal 
conditions of economical use of water. For good farming 
in other parts of the arid region, 12 inches of water in 
depth during the crop season should be sufficient, except 
in the case of alfalfa and other forms of forage which are 
