The Florida star., 1908-10-02

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
nc at the sessions Of the national irri-
CATION congress to be held at Al
buquerQue, N. NJ. This viii be the
greatest gathering Of irrigation ex-
perts ever known, in the opinion Of
those who are familiar with the per-
Bonnel Of the delegates and Official Wis
ttors, and IL will certainly be a 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-
tngs 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 II to be obtained, Germany
VIII send its chief engineer to the com
ing sessions Of experts, and he viii be
attended by at 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 win 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 a 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 GASES, where
water IN to be had. and the surrounding
country, which is arid, has formed one
or the best arguments for developing
lands In the west, where similar condl-
lions 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
Onles have sprung up.
Every one Of the principal colonies
OF Great Britain viii be represented,
Il Is promised. BY constructing an
enormous dam across the Nile British
engineers have controlled the oyerhows
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 princi-
pal South American republics have an
nounced their intention OF having rep
resentatlves 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 a large delegation.
The Filipinos have arranged for a big
display which Will show both the agri-
cultural products and the arts Of their
country.
Exhibits OF tribal nature will be
one Of the most interesting features OF
the congress. for there Is hardly tribe
OF Indians that will not send a display
illustrative OF its handlcrafts. These
exhibits are not made for the purpose
OF showing a collection OF curiosities
They are primarily to prove that the
handiwork. Of the red mon is some
thing that should he encouraged and
developed. The Indians say they In
tend 10 demonstrate that they were en-
gagged in Irrigating the arid portions OF
the west centuries before Columbus
set foot on American soil.
Some OF the Indians have developed
remarkable dexterity in certain direc
tions. They are TO make n big display
OF woven goods, which, 1t Is claimed
will equal the needlework of the ma
jority of white women. Looms VII
be erected and the visitors will have
opportunities TO watch them In oper
alton. NavaJoes will display the bes'
of their we'll known blankets. The
In mo king nOttary