482 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The methods herptofon- used in ()l)taiiiiiiK \;iccim'S for the control of rabies 

 have not made it possible to obtain a vaccine which was not infectious. This 

 has been accomplished, in the author's opinion, by the method and apparatus 

 used by Macfadyen. After the virus has been treated with the fine sand used 

 in this method, it loses its infectiousness, but still remains toxic, and is effective 

 in producing immunity to rabies. Its effectiveness was shown by the author in 

 a number of experiments on rabbits and dogs. 



EURAL ENGINEERING. 



Practical information for beginners in irrigation, S. FORTIER (V. 8. Dept. 

 Af/r.. Fdniicrs' Bui. 263. pp. JO, pf/s;. 2o). — The purpose of this bulletin is to give 

 new settlers in the arid region, particularly those coming from the humid sec- 

 tions of the East, such information as will enable them most successfully to 

 adapt themselves to their changed conditions. 



The writer discusses first the selection and location of an irrigated farm, with 

 particadar reference to the cliaracter and depth of soil and its topographical 

 features, and then takes up the question of water supply, on wliicln helpful sug- 

 gestions are given as to the legal procedui'e necessary in the acquirement of a 

 water right. Farm ditches are considered with respect to their capacity, form, 

 grade, location, and the simple structures necessary. 



Preparation of laud for irrigation under the various systems and for various 

 crops is described in detail, after which the metliods of irrigation of the several 

 crops receive attention. Following these, hints are given as to the best means of 

 preventing waste of water and as to the riglit quantity to apply. 



Drainage is advised as a means of combating most of those evils arising from 

 rise of ground water, but economy in use of water and tliorough cultivation are 

 likewise recommended. 



Reading courses in irrigation, E. Mead {California ,Sta. Circ. 20. pp. 1). — 

 In this circular a course of study in irrigation is outlined for the university 

 extension in agriculture, Berkeley, Cal. A list of questions on irrigation prac- 

 tice and institutions is given, together with an outline of the regular course in 

 irrigation engineering at the University of California. 



Drainage investigations, C. G. Elliott ( f. aS'. Dept. A(/r.. Office Eipt. ,Stai^. 

 Rpt. 1905, pp. 197-210). — The studies and experiments included in these inves- 

 tigations may be classified as follows : 



"(1) Work connected with impi'ovjng small natural streams and providing 

 sufficient and adequate artificial outlets for the drainage of large areas of fertile 

 land hitherto deficient in natural drainage which is projected and executed 

 under the provisions of State drainage laws. 



"(2) The protection of overflowed lands bordering alluvial streams, and their 

 interior drainage after protection works have been constructed. 



"(8) The solution of problems connected with tlie underdrainage of soils of 

 widely different character and subject to diverse climatic conditions. 



"(4) The protection and subsequent management of tidal lands, which when 

 thus improved may be valuable for agriculture. 



"(5) The drainage of lands in the arid region which luider irrigation have 

 become saturated and in consequence unproductive, and the prevention and re- 

 moval of alkali occasioned l\v such saturation." 



Of these various lines of investigation only those features of the work which 

 are perplexing and difficult for the landowners to carry out for themselves are 

 investigated. In some instances this Office has assisted engineers in perfecting 

 plans and in uniting the people to carry them out. In other cases the Office has 

 gone further and made preliminary drainage surveys and general plans for the 



