CHAPTER VIII 
IRRIGATION 
115. The extent of irrigation. — Irrigation has been de- 
veloped to a great extent in arid and semi-arid regions of 
the West, bnt not until recent years have intensive grow- 
ers in the East taken a general interest in the subject. 
The quickened interest has been due mainly to improved 
methods and the increased importance of avoiding losses 
from drouth. Notwithstanding the improvement in im- 
plements, production costs more than ever before, and 
men appreciate more fully the importance of controlling 
all conditions, thus making every crop a success so far 
as production is concerned. It seems inconsistent for an 
intensive grower to spend large sums of money in pro- 
viding right conditions in every respect except one, which 
he neglects entirely. Of the factors contributing to the 
growth of a healthy plant, water is the most important. 
Scientists have been telling us this for years and it seems 
strange that practical men have been so slow to grasp 
the idea. But conditions have changed and vegetable 
growers in all sections of the United States are giving 
attention to artificial methods of watering. Hundreds 
of gardeners every year are installing irrigation systems. 
The movement is particularly active near the large cities, 
but it is spreading into all communities where vegetables 
are grown for commercial purposes. 
1 16. Opportunities for irrigation. — Throughout the 
eastern part of the United States there are thousands of 
opportunities for successful irrigation. Creeks, rivers, 
ponds and lakes furnish an abundant supply of water, 
which, in many instances, is available at slight cost. It 
is not uncommon to find conditions where water might 
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