Excerpt from Guide to Irrigation Practice on the Pacific Coast
It is chiefly for the benefit of this class that this Guide has been prepared.
The limited space available will not admit of anything like a full discussion of important topics, but references have been made to other publications, which the reader may consult. Many of these are the publications of the Irrigation and Drainage branch of the Office of Experiment Stations, U. S. Department of Agriculture. Where these are referred to herein, the abbreviation "O. E. S." is used. These bulletins may be had on application to Dr. A. C. True, Director O. E. S., Washington, D. C.
Owing to the somewhat wide difference in climate, products, and irrigation practice between the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Coast States, it was deemed advisable to adapt the first publication of this series to Pacific Coast conditions.
How to Select an Irrigated Farm.
The chief points to be considered in selecting an irrigated farm are a healthful and agreeable climate, the adaptability of the location to grow profitable crops, proximity to railroads, towns and markets, the fertility of the soil, a plentiful supply of water, and good drainage. On the Pacific Coast the winters are mild. January, February and March are rainy months, and the long summers are dry. Near the Coast the climate in summer is cool, while farther inland it is warm.
One of the most marked advantages favoring the man who improves an irrigated farm is its probable increase in value. When a 40-acre tract can be purchased for $3,000, and in ten years increased in value to $10,000, the owner is making good profits in addition to the crops harvested. In order to reap the benefits of good harvests and an increase in farm values, the crops chosen for a given location must be those best adapted to soil and climate.
Perhaps the best test of raw land in its desert state is the native vegetation it supports. Sage-brush, buffalo grass and cactus indicate good land easily worked and well drained. Ink weed, salt bush and salt grass indicate heavier soil, apt to bake when wet, and charged with more or less alkali.
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