The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-02-16
FOR r1LLERs OF THE SOIL.


The pioneers of Utah demonstrated
in practice what had been nn-
nounced in theory in this coun-
try in reference to irrigation Of
the soil. Those who followed
them extended the system which they
commenced, and this arid region which
had been pronounced absolutely worth
less for agriculture, and impossible as
to horticulture, was redeemed from
sterility and made TO produce an
abundance Of grain and grass and
fruit
Utah led out in the matter of irri-
cation in this country. What she has
done is being recognized in other places.
AT all irrigation conferences ana con-
VentionS her work is mentioned with
honor. One Of her foremost citizens
was made president Of a great gather
ing OF practical representative men,
chiefly On that account
But OF late years Utah has seemed
to settle down in the grooves run by
her early settlers Their methods are
followed in an initiative and needless
fashion. True. there have been some
efforts in the direction OF larger canals
and water storage. but they have not
been taken hold OF with the Vim and
progressive energy that might be e6-
pected,
In the surrounding states and terri
tories the subject is being agltated
and investigated with a view to great
improvement. The arid land question
lis necessarily associated with the irri-
CATION question. The lands to be &C
quired will be almost worthless-entire-
~ so for filling without water to If
rigate them. This aids in pressing
the subject upon the public attention.
Societies and companies have been
formed in many places to assist in
bringing practical Irrigation to as near
a perfect system as posylble. scierd-
f1c minds are exercised over il, and IN
telligent theory is being Joined 10 eX-
perienced practice. This suggests that
Of the times.
There can be no doubt that with the
use Of brains and the expenditure of
some money, or labor, Or both, Cur
water rights and privileges might pc
greatly increased in volume and Disc
fitness. The reservoir question
is one that needs careful in
Vestfgation. The enlargement of
springs and other sources of sup
ply is another branch of the
same subject And the fair and econ
omical distribution of frrigating water
forms a still further division of the ir-
rigation problem, which is worthy of
the best thought and experiment.
at any rate. Utah ought not to be
| behind any other portion of the coun-
try in the rational and thorough utili-
cation Of the water supply. AS50cia-
tons ought to be formed in every
county with "a general organization fOr
the new state, having for their pur-
! pose the complete and organized man
agement of irrigation for the most
feasible tiIlage Of the soil, so that
every rod of ground that can be re-
deemed shall be brought under profit
able cultivation.
The actual agriculturists ought to
good reason why the waters of Utah
| should come into possession Of capital
lists, who will make the farmers and
gardeners and fruit growers contribute
ito increase their wealth. BY organic
ing and comforting and cooperating
| Jour agriculturists and horticulture
lists and forestry men can control irri-
cation affairs to their own advance
ment and the beautifyfng and enrich
ment Of the State Of Utah. until its
fame will 80 abroad not only as the
pioneer but the leader in scientific and
practical irrigation on the american
continent. Friends, think this over anG
] s.nnt a MAYA on x,nttpl