Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1919-03-30
Uy DANTEI. II MURpprw,


The following specific observational
data on the Dubois irrigation project
ldaho), and the territory contiguous
thereto, has particular, though brief
reference to local photographic, me-
teorolical, isothermic, topographic iso-
tropic and geologic conditions and en-
braces a general report of the civil
and economic status Of soldier and civ
llian settlers thereon
The argument is directed against
only few erroneous scientific con-
ceptions. The main object is to feature
striking changes, wrought by natural
Phenomena, since the last official re-
conalssance, and to emphasize physical
advantages which, strange as it may
seem, and Notwithstanding their in
vincibility as bases of argument in any
final determination, have heretofore
escaped observation.
The territory officially designated as
the Snake river plains of southern
IDAHO lies in a shape somewhat resem-
ding crescent, concave to the north
1t measures. along it's medal line 35
miles, and maintains a width of from
90 to 70 miles. 1t was placed under
a federal reconnaissance in the year
1901, and the results of this work are
lucidly set forth in the Israel C. Rus
sell report, printed as bulletin No. 1919
of the geological survey, which work is
obtainable, for a nominal fee, from the
superintendent of documents at Wash
ington, d. c. The subject is not treat
ed In a manner obtrusively technical;
it is rather Il highly scientific work
interspersed with delcately artistic
touches of western hue and color The
clear cut definition of the writer's,
trained perception brings graphically
before one the lure and mystery of the
purple sage plains, the brightness of
the sunshine, the crystal clearneSs of
atmosphere with it's deceptive mirages,
the myth and lore of the canyons and
the gorgeous magnifcence of the high
ly tinted, overtowering mountains.
LURE OF THE OUTDOORS.
Despite u faithful adherence to the
edicts of science, the writer betrays a
mind sensitized, as that of naturalist,
to the influences of the subtle western
atmosphere: surely then, no one, who
has been lured hither by the mysteri-
GUS call of the plains, the streams and
the mountains no one who has inter-
ests artistic or scientific, or who has
aspirations commercial or industrial,
should be without the guiding knowl-
edge contained in Russells work.
The deductions in his work are gem
eral in character. They could not be
otherwise. In the general sense it
rings strikingly true to purpose of such
an article, but SO varied are the condi-
lions of the district, and so constant,
In their complex and involved proc
esses, are the forces of nature, that
each specific area must be subjected to
the closest scrutiny, not only to dis
close it's special pecuIiarities and its
latent advantages, but also to bring
down to the present its conditions as
nature sets it before us with her latest
notifications.
1t Is therefore necessary, in consid-
ering the Dubois irrigation project, or
any of its qualifications. to place be-
fore those interested any available
data which may fix in the mind a lucid
conception of its present status.
The information submitted herein is
not, as a rule, compiled from data sci
sntifically garnered and arranged. IL
is probably more often based on the
observation of the keen minded older
settlers and is confined principally to
that period of years subsequent to
Russells reconnaissance. However, a
great deal of the data and especially
that dealing with the isotropic, meteor
illogical and photographic conditions
Is, in fact indisputable.
AS a general proposition, it may be
confidently predicted that careful pc
rusal of the following paragraphs will
tend to demonstrate in rather sur
prising manner that no irrigation prof.
ect in the entire west has the natural
advantages possessed by the Dubois
project. There are reasons for this
condition. There are reasons why the
governments dollar spent here will re-
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