On the basis of a construction charge of $50 per acre, and an annual operation and maintenance charge of $1.50 per acre, the entire investment of the settler at the end of the twenty years’ term will be as follows: Filing fees $6.50 Construction charges 2,000.00 Operation assessments 1,700.00 -------- Total $3,706.50 For a farm on public lands outside of an irrigation project the only payment required is the filing fee at the time of entry. * * * * * How much capital should a man have to take up an irrigated farm? It is extremely difficult to answer this question. Experience has shown that success depends about 75 per cent on the individual. The chief requisites for success may be stated as _energy_, _business ability_, _judgment_, _capital_ and _experience_. Experience has been placed last for the reason that it has been shown repeatedly that experience in farming in humid regions is not a particularly valuable asset in irrigated farming. It may, therefore, be said that the average man who takes up a Government irrigated farm of 40 acres should possess a capital of at least $2,500, and not less than $4,000 if he undertakes to subdue an 80-acre tract. * * * * * As we ride on the overland trains across the great desert stretches of the far West, our eyes are fed full of color. In the midst of the riot of rich tints, we turn eagerly to occasional green spots that relieve the blazing beauty of the landscape, and our glances linger there with a sense of rest. These green spots are desert farms--fresh oases where, under the spell of water, the soil is wakening from its centuries of slumber and yielding up its stored wealth. These desert farms make a strong, human appeal to the passing traveler. They tell an assuring story of man’s return to the soil and of rich returns from the soil--a story of well-being and content attained, in substantial, comfortable homes. In some such modest way as pictured on the preceding page the settler begins his conquest of the desert. The measure of his success and prosperity lies in his hands. The wealth is there ready to be harvested. [Illustration: W. D. Moffat EDITOR] Uncle Sam a Generous Giver