. The Africander land. absenceof any central authority are impossible. Among the subjects to which Lord Milner hasgiven a much-needed stimulus is that of residence in Egypt doubtless strengthened hisbelief as to the value of irrigation for South Africa,although the conditions of the two countries are sovery dissimilar: Egypt, the huge plain dependent onthe great life-giver, the Nile, a few inches rise or fallmeaning prosperity or famine; South Africa, with itsinland plateau and broken scarp of mountains throughwhich few rivers force their way—the one uniform,monstrously so; the
. The Africander land. absenceof any central authority are impossible. Among the subjects to which Lord Milner hasgiven a much-needed stimulus is that of residence in Egypt doubtless strengthened hisbelief as to the value of irrigation for South Africa,although the conditions of the two countries are sovery dissimilar: Egypt, the huge plain dependent onthe great life-giver, the Nile, a few inches rise or fallmeaning prosperity or famine; South Africa, with itsinland plateau and broken scarp of mountains throughwhich few rivers force their way—the one uniform,monstrously so; the other a land of diversity. But,while South Africa is not a country like Egypt orIndia, where vast schemes can be apphed to an immensefertile flat surface, the importance of irrigation is onethat cannot be over-estimated. The report submitted by Sir W. Willcocks, afteran experience in India and Egypt which is probably < 1 o ct s li ilV i- U. 3^ # < y in 1 o S : . x^ ^ S o o § 1- - 3 s i ? ° 2 O a S StS en =. IRRIGATION 343 unique, though founded on a rapid survey at a timewhen a close examination of all the chief districts wasimpossible, is one that deserves recognition. Deridedby many as optimistic and superficial, this bold surveyof South Africa, though open to criticism in somerespects, contains the principles upon which irrigationschemes should be made. The chief of these is thenationahsation of water, which is more important forthe permanent prosperity of the country than evenrailways, gold, diamonds, or coal. The provision ofwater, however, can be accomplished with theexistence of minerals, which can supply the means forcarrying out the necessary works. Part of the financialresources of the country should be devoted to irrigationworks to ensure the permanent prosperity of thecountry. The mines have in all probability only alimited existence, and while they last the opportunityshould be seized. The land is permanent, W. Willcockss picture of the
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Keywords: ., bo, bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, booksubjectindigenouspeoples
