ENCOURAGEMENT TO RAILROADS: IRRIGATION. 
307 
be removed. If even, the little streamlets flowing here and there through the prairies 
were generally fringed with thick shrubbery so as to partially protect the surface 
from the sun, this would aid much more than is supposed in retaining and distribu- 
ting the moisture. 
It would require too much space for me to attempt to give in full here the reasons 
and arguments bearing on this point. 
In conclusion, allow me to say that I feel confident that if proper measures are taken 
and proper efforts are made in the directions indicated in this communication, the citi- 
zens of Minnesota may feel assured the day is not far distant when the grasshopper 
will no longer be '"a burden" upon the agricultural prospects of their beautiful State. 
That there will be occasional visitations is to be expected, but I believe the day of 
severest trial has passed ; the long and severe visitation of 1873-'77 will probably never 
be repeated unless, through want of care, your country is allowed to become arid and 
dry, or some climatic change over which you can have no control should bring about 
this condition. 
I might add something in reference to the system of farming which I think would 
be advantageous in reference to the locust problem, but this communication is akeady 
long; and moreover I am well aware that farmers are not much disposed to listen 
patiently to suggestions in reference to their particular profession from one they con- 
sider a mere theorist. I therefore refrain. 
I am glad I can speak thus hopefully of the future of your State. I have written 
conscientiously and not for the purpose of flattery. The views here given have been 
formed after a somewhat lengthy and careful study of the subject in all its bearings. 
li. Encouragement to railroads. — Many persons believe that the 
building of railroads through almost rainless regions — the breaking of 
soil, laying of rails, stretching of wire, and consumption of fuel inci- 
dent thereto — has a beneficial effect iu ameliorating the climate in one 
way and another, but particularly in causing more frequent precipitation 
of moisture. They cite, in confirmation of this belief, the constant ex- 
tension of settlement and of the cultivable area westward along the 
lines of the Kansas and the Union Pacific Roads; for the country is now 
settled along these roads far into wnat was formerly called the "Ameri- 
can Desert," or into regions which but a few years since were considered 
uninhabitable from the fact that farming was supposed to be impossible 
there. The results are doubtless more due to the breaking and cultiva- 
tion of the soil as above explained (p. 303); but whether or not railroads 
have this supposed influence, it is certain that they greatly benefit such 
a country in many other ways, and they should be encouraged as much 
as possible, not only because they conduce to the settlement of the country 
they traverse, but because they also facilitate communication between 
sections, and, in the country under consideration, will render more com- 
plete the system of warning, which we shall presently consider. We 
believe, therefore, that it is to the interest of the Government to en- 
courage the building of railroads in this sparsely settled region and 
would emphasize what has been said on page 21. 
3. Irrigation. — It is well known that in most of the country west of 
a line passing through Dakota, ^Nebraska, Kansas, Indian Territory, and 
Texas irrigation is almost universally necessary for-success in agricul- 
ture. The eastern boundary of this "arid" region consists of a broad 
