The Mentor: Reclaiming the Desert, Vol. 6, Num. 17, Serial No. 165, October 15, 1918

In the wake of the Great War, the nation turns its attention to the millions of acres of untamed land waiting to become home for returning soldiers. This opening essay outlines a sweeping vision: arid deserts, swampy lowlands, and cut‑over forests each hold a promise, provided they receive the right blend of water, drainage, and clearing. It explains how the U.S. Reclamation Service’s proven techniques can transform barren plots into thriving farms, offering veterans a tangible path to independence.

The piece then moves to concrete goals: identifying specific regions where irrigation can be launched, estimating the costs of drainage projects, and detailing which crops or livestock will thrive in each environment. It calls for a coordinated survey so that, by war’s end, the government can present soldiers with a menu of ready‑made farm opportunities rather than vague promises. Readers gain a sense of both the technical challenges and the hopeful social mission behind reclaiming America’s desert and swamp lands.