iv LANDS OF THE ARID REGION OF THE UNITED STATES. 
ments on the public lands which are of value for pasturage purposes only”, 
and the other “A bill to authorize the organization of irrigation districts 
by homestead settlements upon the public lands requiring irrigation for 
agricultural purposes”, intended to carry into effect a new system for the 
disposal of the public lands of said region, and to promote the settlement 
and development of that portion of the country. 
In view of the importance of rendering the vast extent of country 
referred to available for agricultural and grazing purposes, I have the honor 
to commend the views set forth by Major Powell and the bills submitted 
herewith to the consideration of Congress. 
Very respectfully, 
C. SCHURZ, 
Secretary. 
Hon. Samvurt J. RanDAtu, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, GENERAL LAND OFFICE, 
Wasninaton, D. C., April 1, 1878. 
Str: I have the honor to submit herewith a report from Maj. J. W. 
Powell, in charge of the Geographical and Geological Survey of the Rocky 
Mountains, in regard to the Arid Region of the United States, and draughts 
of two bills, one entitled ‘A bill-to authorize the organization of pasturage 
districts by homestead settlements on the public lands which are of value 
for pasturage purposes only”, and the other “A pill to authorize the organ- 
ization of irrigation districts by homestead settlements upon the public 
lands requiring irrigation for agricultural purposes”. 
Major Powell reviews at length the features of, and furnishes statistics 
relative to, the Arid Region of the United States, which is substantially the 
territory west of the one hundredth meridian and east of the Cascade 
Range, and the bills named are intended, if passed, to carry into effect the 
views expressed in his report for the settlement and development of this 
region. 
He has, in the performance of his duties in conducting the geological 
and geographical survey, been over much of the country referred to, and 
