RURAL ENGINEERING. 85 



includes what is considered to be the latest and best available information in 

 regard to the following: (1) Gages for determining fluctuations of stage, (2) 

 bench marks for referring the gages to a fixed datum, (3) structures from which 

 discharge measurements are made, (4) cable and stay line to hold the meter 

 in a vertical position when soundings and velocity observations are made, (5) 

 graduated lines to indicate the points of measurement, and (6) artificial struc- 

 tures, at places where natural control is ineffective, to regulate the relation 

 between stage and discharge. Suggestions from several hydraulic engineers 

 regarding these points are also included. 



Final report of the construction Tumalo irrigation project to the Desert 

 Land Board, State of Oregon, O. Laukgaaed {Laidlaiv, Oreg.: Desert Land 

 Board, 191 Jf, pp. [VI+OO, pis. 14). — This report covers the history, organiza- 

 tion, and construction of this irrigation project, the last being dealt with in 

 considerable detail. 



Annual irrigation revenue report for the year 1913—14 (Rev. Rpt. Bihar 

 and Orissa [Indial, Irrig. Branch, 1913-14, PP- 11+154, P^s. 8). — This report 

 gives data on irrigation, operation, expenditures, and revenues for the year 

 1913-14. 



Two large irrigation projects in Kussia, I, M. Nikolitch (Engin. News, 14 

 {1915), No. 1, pp. 8-11, figs. 4)- — This article describes the history and con- 

 struction of the Golodnaya irrigation project, on the Golodnaya Steppe, in Tur- 

 kestan, which at present reclaims 125,000 acres of land. This project is a rela- 

 tively simple one, consisting of head gates, 32.6 miles of main canals, 110 miles 

 of distributing and main drainage canals, and 780 miles of laterals and secondary 

 drainage canals. The water supply is diverted from the Sir-Daria River, which 

 rises in the mountains of the Central Tian-shan. 



Two large irrigation projects in Russia, II, M. Nikolitch (Engin. News, 

 14 (1915), No. 3, pp. 102-104, figs. 3).— This article describes the second of 

 the two large Russian irrigation projects. The Mugan Steppe project covers 

 465,000 acres of land bordering on the Caspian Sea and consists of four inde- 

 pendent canal systems and extensive drainage works. The water supply is from 

 the Arrax River, which is said to present river-control problems similar to the 

 Colorado River in its relation to the Imperial Valley, in southern California. 



Contribution to the study of irrigation in the Canton of Valais, P. Chavan 

 (Ann. Agr. Suisse, 16 (1915), No. 1, pp. 1-11, figs. 12). — This report presents 

 the results of a study of irrigation economics, irrigation engineering, and irriga- 

 tion farming in the Canton of Valais, Switzerland. 



It is pointed out that the climate and the geological nature of the soils make 

 irrigation necessary and that it is made possible by the numerous rivers and 

 streams of glacial origin. It has been found that irrigation has been of great 

 social and economic importance. Irrigation costs, on the whole, from 20 to 25 

 francs per hectare ($1.56 to .$1.95 per acre), which expense is said to be easily 

 met by the increased profits from soil which is otherwise unproductive. 



Chemical analyses of irrigation water from the calcareous " High Alps " show 

 a high content of calcium carbonate, sulphates, and magnesia. Fertilizer experi- 

 ments on soils irrigated with tliis water indicate that potassic and phosphatic 

 fertilizers may be profitably used. Analyses of irrigation water rising from 

 primitive rock regions show a high content of potassium. The fertilizer experi- 

 ments show that where this water is used potash fertilizers are not needed. 



Irrigation water is supplied to cultivated fields, meadows, pastures, and vine- 

 yards by a network of canals totaling 1,400 km. (870 miles) in length which 

 follow in general the grade of the Rhone Valley. Much water is lost by perco- 

 lation and evaporation in transport, and canal improvements are considered 

 necessary. 



