PROGRESS IN RECLAMATION" BISSELL. 501 
are divided as follows : Public-land units, 982 ; private-land units, 
308; State-land units, 47. The numbers are taken from special re- 
ports of the project managers and are therefore as recent and as 
nearly accurate as possible. 
From the figures quoted, it is computed that the average number 
of settlers to a farm unit on the Boise project, where conditions were 
favorable, was 1.14, or slightly more than one — truly a remarkable 
showing when it is considered that farms in general often go 
through many changes in ownership ; and only 1.68 on the Minidoka 
project, where conditions were adverse. 
Opponents to homestead and reclamation acts have argued that 
many settlers take up their farms merely for speculation. Although 
no effort has been made to learn the changes on reclamation proj- 
ects after title had been obtained, results indicate slight changes dur- 
ing the time of proving up. 
Before the end of the period required for residence, settlers may 
relinquish their right and for money consideration pass on the farm 
unit. This can safelj'^ be done only w^hen the relinquishment paper is 
filed simultaneously with another entry. Any such transactions may 
come under the notice of the project office if the settlers are known 
personally. Giving up an entry does not by any means indicate 
that the entryman has failed to make good on his farm. It may 
show quite the contrary — that he has succeeded so well he is able to 
sell out his improved farm for a good figure. This kind of specu- 
lation can hardly be avoided. 
The first few j^ears of the Reclamation Ser\dce were the most 
severe for the project settlers. Water was not available at this time, 
and under the law^ settlers could not be prevented from taking up 
land which mJght not receive water for years. Having seen how 
often it worked hardship for settlers to struggle along until water 
was ready, the service secured the passage of a law which prohib- 
ited the entering of farm units until the irrigating system is in op- 
eration, resulting unquestionably in even greater permanence of set- 
tlers on projects opened under these conditions. 
The investigation has shown conclusively in connection with Fed- 
eral projects that there is not the slightest basis for the statement 
so often and so loosely made that " throughout the newer parts of 
America at least three settlers in succession attempt to develop a 
farm before one succeeds." 
IRRIGATION PROGRESS. 
During the past year the operation of the Government under the 
various reclamation laws has continued to develop the resources of 
the projects undertaken, as shown by the gradual increase in the 
12573°— 21 33 
