IRRIGATION FROM BIG THOMPSON RIVER. 
INTRODUCTION. 
The examination and study of the Big Thompson was undertaken in 
preference to that of other streams for the reason that it presents 
many features not found in other districts and at the same time is 
free from modifying influences and conditions not related to strictly 
agricultural pursuits or their attendant industries. 
The district presents a well-developed and substantial set of local 
customs and regulations, which appear, moreover, to be sensible and 
well calculated to produce good results, as evidenced by the consider- 
able length of time they have been in vogue and which have been 
found to meet the requirements of the people. 
That portion of the river on which the head gates are located is not 
very extensive (PL I), and in consequence the matter of regulation of 
the proper amount of water to be turned into each is much simplified. 
No great sand bars exist in the river, and its channel is excellent, 
making the loss of water by evaporation or seepage small. 
The art of farming is as well advanced as in any section of the 
State, and over the entire district there is a notable absence of any- 
thing approaching thriftlessness in the methods used. The spirit of 
orderliness is very apparent in the arrangement of the farm surround- 
ings and in the neatness with which the farms, large and small, are 
kept up. 
There is a great diversity of crops; nearly everything grown in 
Colorado can be found. Near and just inside the first line of foothills 
are found thrifty and profitable orchards, and. while most of the farms 
have more or less of an orchard, those at the base of the mountains 
are especially noteworthy. Small fruit and garden truck are raised in 
quantities for the markets. It is the center of the lamb-feeding dis- 
trict, probably 100,000 head being fed on alfalfa each winter, and 
many cattle also are wintered and fattened here. Wheat, oats. rye. 
barley, and corn for grain; alfalfa, timothy, clover, and the native 
grasses of the second bottom as hay. give not only great diversity of 
farm produce, but of farm labor as well. By intelligent handling the 
farms are made to produce crops above the general average of the 
State, and an air of prosperity and energy pervades the community. 
There has been a marked tendency toward more intensive farming 
