The Lamar register., 1910-11-09
Colo,edO's Diversified Agriculture

The great diversity of Colorado
agriculture is the states most i'm
portant asset. Soils vary in adapt
ability TO special crops; the fact
that the lighter and more sandy
soils of some sections are better
adapted to the production of pota-
toes makes 1t possible to develop
the best product on the market. In
stead of he Colorado beetle, with
the aid of our scientists and horti-
cultural experts. we are preparing
to supply the world with seed and
tubers of a most delicious Sort.
Other sections are better adapted
tothe cereal grains, alfalfa, sugar
beets, and special crops. Consider
able areas are devoted to fruit rails
ing, the most Intensive and the
highest form of agriculture. which.
In Colorado. is fast becoming the
most remunerative specially.
The most convincing argument in
favor of irrigated agriculture in
the arid or semi-arid region is the
application of water to the soil.
Capital has freely sought invest
ment in Colorado irrigation securi-
ties. The manifold opportunities
that wait upon the enthusiastic and
skillful husba andman are attracting
the best brain and Drawn of the
world to Colorado as a mecca fol
the untoward and landless popula-
ton of our congested places. The
yields of fruit. grain. alfalfa. sugar
beets and garden produce has as
tonished the world, the bounteous
returns from which have added
some forty dollars increase in the
value of our lands within a short
time This Is evidenced by the
prosperity that prevails In the num-
erous farming sections and is fur
ther atested by the substantial
condition of our banks. The irri-
gated West affords the eastern
manufacturer = most prolific field
for his output.
Favored by an equitable climate
and a soil naturally rich in all the
elements of plant food. the farmer
of Colorado Is the envy of the
world.
Unfortunately. not every one is
familiar with the magnitude and
the vast areas that have been re-
claimed as the result of unprece-
S~-x.A --a o,occ~ntcov1v tynporta nf
work of the reclamation service.
within few years. 80 gigantic
projects, involving an expenditure
of over $4,000. 900 have been be-
gun in the West. many of which
Aave been finished and furnish wat
er for 100000 acres. upon which
the gross value of crops in 1910
will be over $4,000 900. The aver
age cost per acre to the govern
ment has been 1865. The in
recent bond issue by the National
Government. not only insure the
enlargement of projects under way.
but provide for an extension of the
policy of reclamation. early foster
ed by this Irrigation Congress. II
Is expected that 30.0o0.000 acres
will be reclaimed in the West.
As has been shown, the artific-
ial application of water to the soil
In as old as the c,ineiform fnscrip-
ton of antiquity. Irrigation in a
crude way was practiced in the
Southwest before Columbus discov-
cred America.
Encouraged by the results Of ir-
rieation as practiced by the Span
fards, in Colorado. and by the
early Mormons. in Utah. many OF
the returning 49ers found an in
ceutiye in the opportunities offer
ed by Colorado'ssoil. sunshine and
easily available and constant water
a Few OF the early pioneers who
point with pride and satisfaction to
the first irrigation ditch in norther'
Colorado. taken out of Clear Creek.
near Denver. II was soon found
that the treasure in the everlasting
hills was but a small remuneration
dn comparison to the wealth of &
fertile. unleached. inexhaustibie
soil.
The civilization that marks the
West OF today owes It's virility, its
institutions. its homes. its amazing
prosperity. its possibilities. to the
foresight. the sagacity. the pertinac
ity of the Colorado pioneer.
The reservoir and canal systems
of northern Colorado. the largest
and most highly developed in the
state. are typical of the most sue
cessful irrigation works in the
country and represent millions of
dollars. Other gigantic and sue
cessful irrigation enterprises are
numerous in Colorado and reflect
the skill. enterprise and ingenuity
of Colorado people.
The most important factor in the