IRRIGATION WORK IN CALIFORNIA. XCVII. 
obtained from these sources is frequently impregnated 
with gypsum, much land irrigated with this water has been 
greatly injured by the unskilful use of water. It is 
believed, however, that by careful consideration, it will be 
possible to reclaim large areas of arid land, without 
ultimately injuring it by the alkaline waters. It is stated 
that in some places water containing as much as 400 parts 
per million of alkali is being used successfully for irrigating. 
The extent of the arid regions in the U.S of America is 
roughly one-half of the whole area. It is understood that 
regions having 20 inches rainfall per annum or less are 
arid. 
The extent of the arid regions of Australia does not 
exceed two-thirds of the whole area. The work of 
reclamation in America appears to have been started by 
private enterprise. As its success and possibilities became 
apparent and as the work increased, water rights called 
for legislation. Progress continued and justified the 
creation of a Government Reclamation Department. The 
officers of this department have been selected from amongst 
the employees of the most successful commercial enter- 
prises, the most skilful scientists. These men investigate 
conditions prevailing in arid regions, the best methods of 
reclaiming land, of conserving and using water, the primary 
object being to make homes for the workers, for those 
people without large capital, but with health, strength, 
ability and willingness for hard work. No settler is allowed 
to take up more than 160 acres of land. To those interested 
in the subject, complete information can be obtained on 
reference to the publications of the U.S. Gov. Reclamation 
Department, andto Mr. Newell’s excellent book on Irrigation 
to both of which the author is indebted for much of his 
data. As remarked above, Mr. Newell is the Chief 
Hnugineer of the Reclamation Service, and is probably the 
highest authority on the subject of irrigation in America. 
7—Oct. 17, 1906. 
