Page:The National Geographic Magazine Vol 16 1905.djvu/153

From F. H. Newell, U. S. Geological Survey

Fifteen Lignite Beds in Single Section of Little Missouri River near Johnson's Ranch, North Dakota

There are about 250,000 acres along the Tittle Missouri River in North Dakota which if reclaimed would make ideal farms. This large area is, however, distributed in small terraces, none over 15,000 acres in extent, from 50 to 100 feet and more about the river bank, so that if it were not for the very lucky deposits of fairly good coal along the river it would not pay to reclaim any of them ; but with this coal pumping plants can be very cheaply operated. The Reclamation Service has already approved projects to reclaim two terraces on the river.

irrigation works. By the terms of the reclamation law the cost of every irrigation enterprise constructed by the government must be paid back by the people benefited within ten years after completion of the work. The repayment is made by installments. As the government charges no interest and seeks no profit, government irrigation works cost the people considerably less than works built by private corporations. The illustrations on pages 118 to 124 have been chosen to show the stupendous magnitude of some of the projects and the natural difficulties that have to be overcome. Irrigation on such an enormous scale has never been undertaken in the history of the world.

The reclamation law is working admirably. It is elastic and equally fair to all sections. Too much confidence and praise cannot be given Mr Newell and his efficient corps of engineers for the ability and good judgment with which they are carrying out the provisions of the law. The picture on page 120 shows that not only engineering skill but courage and coolness are constantly needed to solve the many varied problems of the work.