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Another method resorted to when the gravity system is impossible
is to pump the water from the big rivers into smaller reservoirs
leading to the canals, the pumps being kept busy only during the
months in which the water is needed. This method is quite successful,
but requires a somewhat larger annual expenditure. It is being
used in some extensive projects, the water being taken out of the
Columbia river.

The third method is in securing the water by means of artesian
wells. This method is naturally limited to small areas, the projects
being undertaken by individual private owners. Several spots have
been found in the arid belt where this method is successful.


SOILS.

The soils over the entire areas of eastern Washington on the arid
lands is a volcanic ash mixed with disintegrated basaltic rocks and
some humus, varying in depth and in the amount of sand it contains.
The low lands are usually more sandy and warmer and earlier in season.
The depth of this soil is in some places 80 feet and generally so
deep as to insure great permanency to its fertility. It readily
absorbs and holds moisture, and is admirably adapted to artificial
watering. In some spots there is an injurious surplus of alkali.
It is generally covered with sagebrush and has the appearance of
sterility, but upon cultivation under irrigation, produces wonderful
results in quantity and quality of grains and grasses and fruits
and vegetables.