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Show REPORT OF THE SECRETARY 08 THE INTERIOR 13 and grows only wild hay. The maximum farm income of Indian families on the more successful projects seldom exceeds $300 each per year. The ultimate irrigable area, is estimated at 1,450,021 acras, indi-cating that the projects now are only 48 per cent completed. To date, the average total irrigation cost per acre for the 692,057 acres iv $52. It is estimated that approximately $29,000,000 additional will be required to complete the projects. The report of the survey contains 75 general recommendations. Many of them will be made effective as rapidly as conditions permit. In proper cases, necessary legislation will be recommended to Congress. The report shows that changes in economic and social conditions in the region surrounding Indian reservations have profoundly dected life on those reservations, end that many of the problems ( in Indian affairs are due to lack of adjustment to these changes. Increase in the white population surroundimg reservations has adver-tised the irrigable Indian lands and the whites have increased their effort to own or control them. Desire to acquire these lands has been greater by reason of the building of railroads and paved highways, which bring the Indian lands closer to markets and make agriculture more profitable. Costly irrigation works have been built under laws and policies that were based on the idea that the water would be used by Indians. It was thought that the Indian lacked aptitude and experience and that he might require a long, unprofitable apprenticeship, before he would become a skilled irrigation farmer; consequently provisions for use of water or for paying for works were liberally drawn. Such provisions were inadequate to meet abuses which might arise, if these lands and water supplies should pass into the control of the whites. It has happened that on some of the reservations whites have de-manded the same sort of contracts as were made for the Indians. Controversy and uncertainty have followed with consequent threat-ened loss to the Indians snd to the Government. To adjust these controversies, it may be wise to increase the legal staff of the depart-ment. Then' the rights and financial obligations of both Indians and . whites may be determined. HEALTH . The general medical work of the Indian Bureau was contiuued through the year with good results. The diiculties incident to the administration of this service as outlined in the Secretary's annual report of the fiscal year 1927 continue to obtain to a greater or less degree. Many yearn will be required before the necessary improve- |