DAMAGE BY FLOODS IN RIVERS PREVENTION. 601 
It is now clearly shown, after all this long discussion, 
how little can be done to protect land from effects of floods. 
It is shown that whatever is done is ineffectual in some 
respects, and not permanent in others: to seek to protect 
from floods is, in short, to seek for fixed conditions. where 
nature insists on change, which in effect means a stand up 
fight between’ man and nature, wherein man is sure to get 
the worst of it, if not at once, at any rate in the long run. 
The discussion also seems most unprofitable, as it is 
impossible to reach any definite conclusions. and no rules can 
be laid down which may be relied on in every case. And 
so, after all this long consideration of the subject, all that 
has been achieved is to point out a few things to those who 
are looking for safe guidance in flood matters which should 
not be done, leaving what should be done to the good judg- 
ment of the sufferer from damage by floods. ey 
