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Show AGRICULTURE UNDER IRRIGATION IN BASIN OF VIRGIN RIVER. 227 different products. In most of the settlements farm produce does not yield a cash return, and consequently the prices used in figuring the returns are based on the market values in the vicinity. Such produce as fruits, vegetables, and sorghum are usually peddled in the adjoining counties as far north as the Sevier Valley, and in the mining camps around St. George, and in Lincoln County, Nev. Until recent years the peddling was mostly by barter, a gallon of molasses or wine going for a bushel of wheat, and fruits and vegetables being exchanged for household provisions. When wheat came to have a cash value in the northern settlements»and molasses came to be imported from outside States, the purchasing power of the latter became so diminished that the settlers along the Virgin River found it more profitable to raise wheat than sorghum, and consequently the area now devoted to sorghum is small. LAND AND WATER VALUES IN THE CENTRAL DIVISION. Land and water values vary in the different settlements of the central division of the basin, according to the scarcity or abundance of either one. In the upper settlements on Virgin River-Virgin City, Grafton, Rockville, Springdale-water is so abundant as to have no cash value, but land is so scarce as to be in demand, although not at a high figure. In the St. George and Washington Field land and water together change hands constantly at from $25 to $50 per acre, of which $12 to $15 represents the price of the water. On the lower Santa Clara Creek bottoms the two are seldom separated, but together bring from $50 to $100 per acre. In the smaller settlements land and water together are considered worth from $25 to $60 per acre, with little changing hands. WATER TITLES IN THE CENTRAL DIVISION. Water titles in the central division of the basin of Virgin River have, except on Santa Clara Creek, received no serious consideration. This is because. Until recently, development had not reached the point that made it necesaaiT. On .some of the tributaries of the Virgin River, and on some sections of the main stream, agreements between the farmers, based on continued usage, and awards by the county selectmen sitting as water commissioners under the law of 1880, have settled common opinion as to what the rights are and in many cases furnished a basis for finally establishing them. Establishing rights through litigation has not been generally followed. The founding of the southern settlements by a people of one faith enabled the settlers to divide the water as a rule satisfactorily. Their practical sense told them how much land the small streams would water, and this land was straightway tilled, yet this knowledge did not prevent their allowing another 50 or 100 acres to be taken up under the same stream by another of their faith who wished to cast his lot with them. So the watered areas were gradually widened and the available water for each acre lessened, until some of the smaller springs and tributaries came to support populations that severely taxed them. Misunderstandings there were, of course; but the net result was for contentment and progress. If individuals could not reach an agreement the Mormon Church authorities could. When the Territorial legislature constituted the county selectmen guardians of the streams, the farmers appeared before them for certificates of water as they did for range and milling privileges, and |
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Original book: Utah exhibits [of the] State of Arizona, complainant, v. State of California, Palo Verde Irrigation District, Imperial Irrigation District, Coachella Valley County Water District, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, City of Los Angeles, City of San Diego, and County of San Diego, defendants, United States of America and State of Nevada, interveners, State of New Mexico and State of Utah, parties |