INTRODUCTION. 
This bulletin is intended as an aid to settlers, many of whom 
have been coming into Eastern Colorado, attracted by the prospect 
of cheap land and the hope to develop homes. While there have been 
successes on the plains, our duty would not be performed to the 
proposed settlers nor to the State without a word of caution. The 
important thing for the plains is not so much a large settlement as 
the success of those who do come. It should not be forgotten that 
there are many chances of failure. This is not entirely due to the 
country, for many are not. able, or do not care, to adapt themselves 
to the conditions. Experience indicates that the best hope of suc¬ 
cess is to be found in dairying and in poultry growing, with crops 
as an important adjunct, grown principally for forage. 
It is well that each intending settler should see the plains, learn 
the difficulties, satisfy himself whether he is adapted to them. I 
would not discourage such, but those who do not understand the 
conditions, who are not adapted to them, or who do not have capital 
enough to tide over one or more unfavorable years are apt to meet 
with bitter disappointment. Sometimes the impression has been dis¬ 
seminated that some newly discovered practice termed '‘scientific” 
has overcome the previous difficulties and lessened the dangers or 
that there has been a change in climate. This is misleading to say 
the least. No practice lessens the need that plants have for water 
though there may be better use of what is to be had. 
The principles are those of good cultivation everywhere. Aid 
should be made of every favorable condition, and then there will be 
years of hardships. The use of irrigation from wells, by pumping, 
the collection of floods in draws or gulches, the building of ditches 
to hold the runofif paters and give time for them to be absorbed, 
may serve as additional aids of considerable value and help to tide 
over unfavorable seasons. 
For those who meet the conditions with patience and intelligence 
there may be abundant success. 
L. G. CARPENTER, Director. 
