Western Kansas world., 1888-11-17
CAN WEDO IT?
Is 1t Possible to Increase and Equal
lie the Rainfall In Western
Kansas
II 1t Can be Done, Millions Of Dol.
lars Can be Added to Western
Kansas Wealth.
D;ghon Republican.

Dighion Republican.
Long has been the fayorite motto
in Western Kansas, that ''the Great
American Desert shall blossom as
the rose." Much has been said
about the hot winds that in
certain seasons of the year have
swept across our state, blasting the
hopes Of the people as they watched
the whitening crops. There is now
no question but western Kansas will
produce as abundant crops as can be
had anywhere in the world if the
rainfall could be equalized and in
creased and the hot winds diminished
Now, we are not Of the opinion
that these hot winds originate away
down south somewhere, and below
here, but we are Of the opinion that
they originate right here. Just the
cause we are little at loss to prove;
but there may be something about
the atmosphere that produces re-
Election and concentration of the
suns rays, making intense heat,
when just the right condition of the
atmosphere is attained. Those who
have noticed the effect of the hot
winds know that many times the
crop within a few hundred feet of
the injured portion remains unin-
jured. This may be either north,
south, east or west. Taking into
consideration this fact, we cannot
believe that the same heat travels
for hundreds of miles. In some of
the central counties we find that the
crops were injured only in localities,
while in other parts Of the county
abundance was raised. This has
been the case even where one part
Of the county had as much rain as
the other.
We are Of the opinion that more
moisture is needed by the atmos-
phere. The question presents itself
as to how this want can he supplied.
In this county there is what is
known as "sheet water" found at
depths ranging from 35 to 80 feet.
Our first plan to get more moisture
in the atmosphere is for eight-foot
wells to be dug on each section in
the county. These wells to be sup
piled with large windmills, which
are to be kept constantly running
the year round. Just think what
vast amount of water could be
pumped out to be formed into pools
and lakes. Wherever it was con-
venient the water might be used for
irrigating purposes. Evaporation
taking place continually would soon
make a moist atmosphere. Rain
clouds would be attracted and in
few years we could make grand
change in the agricultural condition
of the country. Suppose other
western counties would pursue the
same course. What man is there
that could contemplate any other
result than that rainfall would be
had, and "the new west" would sur
prise the world by the abundance of
her productions? Each of those
wells, fitted cut with one of those
large, powerful windmills, would not
cost on an average more than $275.
In this connection we will give
our readers a description Of an in
vention Of
HOW TO MAKE 1T RAIN.
The following, taken from the
SanFrancisco Chronicle, will explain
Itself:
The remarkable powers and adapta-
bility of the electric current to the
use of society have been further
de nonstrated by an invention which
has at least the charm of novelty.
This is nothing more nor less than
a machine to open the windows of
heaven at the will Of men, and
Michael Cahill, NJ. D., of this city,
is the inventor.
II expect to see the sagebush des-
erts of Nebraska, Kansas and Ne
vada under cultivation and affording
pasturage for thousands of cattle in
a few years. began the doctor.
"Should the government adopt my
patent, by its use there need not be
an acre Of waste land on the whole
continent" by what extraordi-
ary means do you intend to tap the
clouds and interfere with the laws
Of nature?" queried the reporter.
/, ':Simply by condenser or captive
balloon and an electric cable placed
wherever the rain is required. l
have long believed that rain could
be produced by artificial means, and
I have worked at this hobby of mine
for several years ever since l left
college, in fact. You see, first of