Collection of the Proceedings of the Govt Volume 4; Relating to the Project of the Lower Ganges Canal (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1875 Excerpt: ...comparatively very little suburban cultivation, and, excepting a small sandy strip to the west of Chibramau, the character of the soil and the extent of irrigation is much more uniform, and it may be safely concluded that the percentage, 23-84, given above adequately represents the capacity for irrigation the tract now possesses. 10. With regard to the wishes of the zemindars and cultivators for the introduction of canals, I can speak from personal inquiry in the villages belonging to the Kaimganj duab. I have been in camp there this cold weather, and took every opportunity of questioning each class of cultivator. In the saudy unirrigated tract which I have alluded to before, as might be expected there was an unanimous and eager desire expressed to receive the benefits of irrigation. It was, however, at first sight not so obvious that the villages in the Karniiana tract would be willing to give up well irrigation for canal irrigation. To prevent thoughtless and untrustworthy answers (for I was at the same time engaged in deciding enhancement suits, and the tenants were only too anxious to depreciate the natural irrigation they were in possession of), I pointed out to them the expenses that would attend canal irrigation, such as the payment of the water rate and the cost of irrigation, with the irrigating basket, &c The answer given me was always in favour of canal irrigation. They urged as against well irrigation the expense of digging and keeping in repair the wells, and the additional cost involved in keeping bullocks fit for working at the well as well as the plough. Indeed, the chief point in which they looked tor a saving in their expenses was in the matter of bullocks. Where bullocks are required for watering they must be much stronger, and theref...