The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1908-10-30

1904 ....... FAC 4.o7 2.67 800
1905 ....... 5.S4 5.S1 1863 1928
1906 ....... 4.95 3.48 Las 9.SS
Thus 1t will be seen that in 1903
and 1904, half of the annual precipi-
tation occurred in the months of May,
June and July and in 1905 consider
ably more than half.
State Engineer Samuel Fl. Lea gives
no announcement to those who main.
tain the South Dakota climate has
changed. He says:
With regard to the matter of eli
mate and rainfall it is not believed that
there has been any permanent change
in this state. The increase in the
area for plowed land affords an oppor-
tunity for water storage in the soil,
instead of the rapid run-off which &C.
ours where the surface is hard and
unbroken. Improved methods of
cultivation are a material factor in
affording good results in the produc-
tiveness of crops The beneficial re-
suits in the way of productiveness are
likely to increase as the state be-
comes more densely populated.
Influence Of Artesian Wells.
In all of South Dakota except the
southeast corner, artesian wells are
available because of the underlying
sandstone formation. These artesian
wells have been rapidly developed in
the last decade, so that now more
that 900 are flowing east Of the Mis-
souri, river. They have been account
ed by some as a factor in improving
crop production.
These wells are now being sunk
west of the Missouri, about sixty-five
now having been completed. At Edge
mont, in Fall River county, a we'll re-
Gently was completed at a depth Of
$3.50 feet, bringing a flow of 270 gal
Ions a minute, and excellent water at
a temperature of 100 degrees. The
aggregate flow from all the wells in
the state is estimated to be W.
500, 600, 900 gallons a day.
Thus these wells are bringing to
the surface a great quantity of water,
and it has been conjectured that the
evaporation from the ponds created
by them has added to the preclpita-
ton. But if all the 500, O00, 900 gal
Ions were evaporated and precipitated
within the state in the form Of rain,
it would amount in a whole year to
only one inch on $4,000 900 acres, or
1921 square miles. And as the area
of South Dakota is 1880 square
miles, the entire output of the ar
ar;o. ,,,~1l, ~ n ,-nnr apo0Jrfc RI hl1f
one-sixth of an inch Of rain over the
entire state, or less than l per cent
of the annual rainfall.
Farmers Show A~daptability.
However, the artesian wells I'M
doubtedly have become a factor in
practical farming, for they provide
moisture in their immediate localities
by discharging it on the surface OF
the soil. In ONE parts OF the state,
especially Lyman and Stanley coun-
ties, the farmers have built systems
of bitches through which they irri-
gate their crops from the artesian
wells in periods of drought.
Moreover, the farmers have adapt.
ed themselves to the soil and the
climate. They did not make a success
of the cultivation of corn until they
had developed a variety that can ma
ture in 100 days or even less. Cultiva-
ton of the soil undoubtedly has caus-
ed the storage Of rainfall as in a
reservoir, for the Campbell system of
dry farming, which is simply pulveri-
zation of the top soil and packing
the sub-soil, has made it possible to
grow luxuriant crops with an annual
rainfall as low as ten inches.
These Are Factors.
Whether or not the climate OF
South Dakota has been modified or
improved, it may be accepted that the
following have been factors in rails
ing the agricultural standing of the
state:
First, cultivation of the soil SO as
to retain moisture.
Second, the development of artesian
wells that provide abundant supplies
of water for farms and ever for irriga-
ton.
Third, the. development OF varieties
of seed suited to the short season in
the state.
Fourth, the liberal rainfall almost
sure 10 come in the growing months
OF the year.