Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 300, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 December 1919 — Water in the Desert. [ARTICLE]

Water in the Desert.

The National Geographic Magazine gives some interesting accounts of the driving of cattle to the nearest port or railway, from the vast pasture lands of Australia. Two, three or even five months may be required, says this magazine. Unless the season is favorable, it cannot be done at all, for feed and water are lacking along the route. . . • Stock routes are laid out and tended as carefully as wagon roads or railways. They head for the principal markets, or for the ends of railways that extend into the arid belt, and wind across the country, taking advantage of all known water supplies. Streams, springs, blllabongs and namma-holes are . used, regardless sf ‘ the quality of the water, for almost any liquid is acceijjable in the desert. When the distance between watering places is too great, or areas of feed are beyond the reach of water, artificial supplies are provided and carefully watched. Wells are dug, and reservoirs and tanks are constructed to collect rain water. Where other means fall, skeleton buildings with large roof area are provided to conserve the rainfall.