Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1908-10-09
IRRIGATION CONGRESS
Many Nations Interested i
Gathering at Albuquerque.
WILL SEND EXPERT ENGINEERS
Possibilities Of Artificial Watering Of
Arid Lands Will Be Set Forth,
Large Irrigation Projects to Be Dis.
played In Lines Of Fire.

An idea in the form OF an object
lesson Of the millions of dollars that
have been added to the national
wealth by the artificial watering of
arid lands viii be set before the pub
lie at the sessions of the national irri
cation congress TO be held at AL
buquerque, y. NJ. This will be the
greatest gathering Of irrigation ex
perts ever known, in the opinion Of
those who are familiar with the per
sonnel of the delegates and official Wis
itors, and it will certainly be re-
markable demonstration Of the Won
derful change that is going on through
out the west.
Irrigation has been practiced in a
number of countries, but the undertak-
ings in the west are on such a colossal
scale and the methods are so novel
and modern that the accomplishments
of engineers in the United States are
attracting attention all over the world.
Acting on the belief that valuable in
formation is to be obtained, Germany
ing sessions of experts, and he will be
attended by ut least six officials of the
department under his charge, says the
Chicago Record Herald. The reason
for the strong representation from for.
eign lands is that there are numerous
irrigation problems to be solved in the
colonies owned by European nations,
and the delegates will not only hear
the views of those who have had the
greatest amount Of experience Of any
engaged in this class of work. but will
also visit number Of large projects.
The French republic will also send
its chief engineer at the head of dele
CATION Of considerable size. France has
possessions In the north Of Africa
where the value Of irrigation is well
understood, although comparatively lit
tie has been done up to date to develop
the natural fertility Of the soil in the
desert regions. The contrast between
the great fertility of the oases, where
water is to be had and the surrounding
country, which is arid, has formed one
Of the best arguments for developing
lands In the west, where similar condi.
| tions exist, yet with the exception of
| Egypt, there are few spots in northern
Africa where the necessary irrigation
works have been built. The develop.
ment Of fertility has been left to the
chance springing up Of water in the
desert, and wherever the thirst Of the
land has been quenched by nature col.
onies have sprung up.
Every one of the principal colonies
of Great Britain will be represented,
= it is promised. BY constructing an
enormous dam across the Nile British
engineers have controlled the overfiows
Of that historic river. But in addition
to what they have learned by them
selves these men are anxious to see
what has been done in the United
States, for there are several other spots
among the British possessions where
irrigation could be practiced with great
profit.
Brazil Mexico and all of the princl-
pal South American republics have an
nounced their intention Of having rep
resentatives at the congress, so all parts
of the world will be represented either
directly or through delegates from 9th
er powers. Honolulu is to be well
represented, and men will come from
both the Philippines and Australia.
Canada, which has numerous irrigation
projects, is to send large delegation.
The Filipnos have arranged for big
display which will show both the agrl.
cultural products and the arts Of their
country.
Exhibits Of a tribal nature will be