AZ vs. CA:02 California Exhibits, Vol II; Nos. 58-113A

page 6

20 feet above its bottom are salt; but this in no way militates against the value of the proposition, for two reasons, first, we will require this area to catch and evaporate our waste and drainage water, second, this area comprises only about 190000 acres, and on the assumption of a total of 1250000 acres, leaves 100000 acres for cultivation. Other small areas of bad land will be found, and it will be impossible for me to render you an accurate estimate of either the good or the bad, until the projection of a complete topographical map, of which I will write later; but I believe GoodTands I am amPty sa^e m saying that at least 950000 acres of first class lands lie under the canal in San Diego County, and that 750000 acres lie between the Salton Sink and the International boundary. This body, south of the Sink, into which the first canal will be projected, is without exception the finest tract of land I have ever examined. You can stand in the center and look for miles on either side, over surface a plain smooth as a floor. A slope of 8 to 15 and Slope L r feet to the mile, in one direction only, renders it perfect for irrigation. Being composed entirely of the sedimentary deposits of the river, it contains a sufficient proportion of clay to make it very retentive of moisture and also to allow of the construction of good roads at minimum expense. The soil is very clean, free from alkalies and wonderfully fertile as is evidenced, not only by the luxuriant growth of weeds that have sprung up at times, but