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Show 30 REPORT OF TEE COWSSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIBB. That the Navajoes realize the importance of this work on their reser-vation is fully evidenced by the fact of their using advantageously the ditches already constructed for them, as well as by their own efforts-- often nnsuccessfol-to divert water to adjacent lands from many of the streams of the reservation. An Indian from the Lower Ban Juan, named Sandival, came 100 miles last winter to ask Superintendent Bntler if he wonld not reconstruct a ditch in that country. Pine tracts of land there could be cheaply reclaimed, and the Indians living there have attempted, it but failed. The same is true of a tract lying in the northeast corner of the reservation, where two or three small ditch= from the same stream are kept in operation by the excessive and untiring labor of the few Indians benefited. A cursory inspection indicates it to be a most favorable site, presenting no great difficulties, and one which would fully warrant the construction of a reservoir for storage purposes. Superintendent Butler recommends that a sum beappropriakd suffi-cient for a reconnoissance survey of the more feasible and advantageous irrigation project8 on theNavajo Reservation; also for the continuance of the work already commenced. September 26,1897, this office directed him to submit an itemized estimate of the cost of the snrvey proposed, and also of the sum necessary for carrying on the work already begun. I am clearly of the opinion that the irrigation work upon the Navajo Reservation should be continued until there is developed thereon, if possible to so do, a sufficient supply of water to meet the needs of the Indians for domestic, stock, and agricultural purposes. If this could be accomplished, it would enable the Department to return to the reser-vation the roving Navajoes, whose condition and uituation have long been a source of perplexity to the office. Indeed, it was with this view that the work of irrigation was originally begun, a survey for that purpose having been made by certain army officers detailed under direc-tion of the President. With a complete system of irrigation and the development of a water supply on that reesrvation, the self-support and maintenance of the Navajoes wonld be assured, because they could then engage in the pursuit of gardening and agriculture in connection with their present business, which is mainly stock-raising. Fort Hall Beservation, Idaho.-The last annual report of this office referred to recommendation made for the modification of the contract entered into with the Idaho Canal Company for the construction of an irrigating canal on the Fort Hall Reservation and to an investigation of the mattar then in progress. As a result of this investigation, the Department directed, September 30,1896, that a new contract be prepared, which was signed by the company October 2 and by the Department October 22,1896. By the terms of the new contract, the water, instead of being con-veyed over the Blackfoot River by a flume, is to be spilled into the river and conveyed in its channel to a point designated in the '6 Poote |