National irrigation became a fixed policy of the American Government with the passage of the Reclamation Act in June, 1902. The principal provisions of this act are briefly as follows: First. A reclamation fund in the Treasury consisting of the proceeds from the sales of public lands in the sixteen arid and semi-arid states.[A] [A] These include the states named in the first foot-note, with Texas added. [Illustration: SAGE BRUSH AND ALFALFA, MINIDOKA PROJECT, IDAHO On one side of the fence is the desert sage brush, on the other rich alfalfa] Second. A Reclamation Service in the Department of the Interior to investigate and report on the irrigation projects to the Secretary of the Interior, who, with the approval of Congress, may authorize construction and let contracts, providing the money is available in the fund. Third. The return to the fund of the actual cost of each project by the sale of water rights, payments to be made in a series of instalments running over a period of twenty years without interest. The money so returned is to be used again and again on other works. [Illustration: A COMFORTABLE “DESERT” HOME Having electric power for heat, light and cooking] Fourth. The holding of public lands for actual settlers under the homestead act in small farm units sufficient to support a family. Fifth. The sale of water rights to private land owners, but not for more than 160 acres. Sixth. The ultimate turning over to the people of the irrigation system, to be operated and managed by them under a system of home rule. [Illustration: HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING, MINIDOKA PROJECT This beautiful, fully equipped school stands where there was only desert in 1907]