The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-06-26
IRRIGATION IN TURKEY.
WeiI-BOring Machines in Demand
Throughout the Country

Thomas H. Norton. the United States
Consul at Harput. Armenia. writes to the
State Department that there is a steady
and growing demand for weIl-bOTing ma
chineTy throughout Turkey He says:
..On account OF the almost complete de-
forestation of the mountains about Har-
put-the total absence. in fact. of any
thing corresponding to the American or
German meaning of the word forest
successful agriculture in this region de
Ponds, to large extent, upon irrigation.
The point has been reached where there
is no longer an adequate supply OF water
from mountain springs for the needs of
HaTput, Mezreh and adjacent territory.
Were sufficient capital available, much of
the arabic land could be readily irrigated
by proper diversion of water from the
Murad Su, or eastern branch of the Eu-
pirates.
In view of present conditions, the Gov
evnor General and other officials feel that
the time has come to test the efficiency
of artesian wells. and one of the men,
bers of the provincial council, the lead
ing capitalist of the region, is ready to
supply the money necessary to settle the
question. Correspondence is solicited from
American manufacturers Of weIl-drilling
machinery as well as from those supply
ing windmiIIs pumps, and accessories.
Naturally, for this region, simply con-
stTucted machinery Is desirable, ia order
that repairs may be easily made. II is
true. there are a few mechanics here,
trained in New England machine shops.
but mechanical facilities are sadly made
quate. a style of drill capable of being
transported on its own wheels from the
seaboard TO this point would be eminent
~ advantageous. 1t would be well for
corresponding firms to indicate the num-
Der of cubic feet their different styles Of
machines occupy when packed for sea
transport alton. and the total weight
There should also be full information with
regard to tubing and all other accesso-
ries.
The capitalist above mentioned would
prefer to make some arrangement, If
possible, by which he need pay only the
expense Of boxing. transportation bothl
ways, rent while out Of the country, and
wear, tear, and depreciation. in case of
nou-sucCeSs in striking water. He is
ready to deposit in advance, with the
Banque Ottoulane or at this consulate
the fun price Of Il drill, paying all the
accompanying expenses, with privilege of
returning the machine, subject to above
costs, in case Of failure In default of
some such arrangement he viii have to
accept the best terms available.
There would undoubtedly be a steady
demand for drills should success follow
this experiment. not only in the Harput
plain. but also in many arid and semi
arid regions adjacent 70 the numerous
mountain ranges Of this country
IN connection with the proposed expe-
rihlent. / have examined the Topographic (
cal and geological conditions with some
care The HarpUt plain borders on the
Taurus Mountains, which rise along its |
southeast border to the height of 500 TO /
4, Loss feet above the level of the plain /
AIezreh is at an altitude of $500 feet /
above the level Of the sea The plain is a
deep, IacTustInc deposit The Taurus as I
well as the lower ranges on the north i
west consist Of limestone. with frequent 1
basalt bikes and caps of granite. Slate is /
law field. I have been Unable to encoun- /
ter parallel strata of clay. so desirable III (
well boring, but the location of limestone /
strata and the force with which water is !
sues from openings therein are favorable I
indications.
Reforesting and the effective utiliza- /
ton Of the abundant supply of water in 1
the Upper Euphrates would restore to |
this region its agricultural wealth of zoos /
years ago. Existing conditions seem TO
render this impossible, but artesian wells /
if feasible, viii bring needed relief at
moderate OUTLAY"