18 ACQUIRING LAND FOR PROTECTION OF WATERSHEDS, ETC. 



information on all phases of the subject, I introduced a bill at the last 

 session, and the fact that the information called for b^y it is not availa- 

 ble seems to justify the printing of it as an appendix. 

 Truly yours, 



W. C. HAWLEY. 



[H. K. 'J1877. Sixtieth Co 



A BILL To provide for obtaining certain information relative to the 1 White Mountain, Appalachian, 

 and other watersheds and forests. 



Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the i'nitcd Mate* of America 

 in Congress assembled. That a commission consisting of three men, whose duties are 

 defined below, shall be appointed as follows: One by the President of the United 

 States, one by the President of the Senate, and one by the Speaker of the House of 

 Representatives. 



SEC. 2. That the duties of this commission shall be as follows: 



First. Personally to visit every watershed in the States named in section seven of 

 this act supposed to have influence in regulating the flow of waters and conservation 

 of water supply in the maintenance of the navigability of navigable rivers, and for 

 other purposes. 



Second. To establish by metes and bounds the limits of such watersheds and to 

 actually ascertain the areas included. 



Third. To ascertain how much of such areas are now forested and the kinds and 

 sizes of the trees and other growths thereon. 



Fourth. The general nature and character of the soil of these watersheds and the 

 general topography of said watersheds. 



Fifth. To ascertain how much of such areas are now deforested and the condition 

 of the deforested lands. 



Sixth. To ascertain what portions of the deforested areas can be reforested, how 

 much can not be reforested, and the probable cost and period of time required for 

 reforestation of such areas. 



Seventh. To ascertain whether these watersheds have a definite and demonstrable 

 physical connection, mediate or immediate, with the maintenance and improvement 

 of the navigability of navigable rivers. 



Eighth. To ascertain as accurately as possible the value of the lands of each water- 

 shed and the price at which they can be acquired. 



Ninth. To ascertain whether any of these watershed areas will be transferred to 

 the United States, either as a gift or to be placed under the control of the United 

 States, and if so, for what length of time. 



Tenth. If the question implied in paragraph seven is decided affirmatively, to 

 ascertain whether the control of the watershed areas will be sufficient for the' con- 

 servation and improvement of the navigability of navigable rivers, or whether the 

 control of areas below and other than the watershed areas will be necessary for that 

 purpose. If areas other than watershed areas are decided to be necessary, then such 

 areas shall be definitely located and measured, and their values and the prices for 

 which they can be bought shall be ascertained. 



Eleventh. To ascertain the annual precipitation on each watershed area as nearly 

 as possible and for as long a period of years preceding as possible. 



Twelfth. To estimate the probable annual revenues, if any, from such watershed 

 and other areas and the cost of administration yearly if acquired by the Government. 



Thirteenth. To ascertain the miles on each river supposed to be directly or indi- 

 rectly benefited that are now navigable, and the number of months each such river 

 is navigable, the depth of water for each month, and the draft of vessels using same. 



Fourteenth. To ascertain the increase or diminution of the miles of navigable 

 water in each such river and the depths of water therein for the longest period of 

 years possible. 



Fifteenth. To ascertain the amount of commerce carried, by months, on each such 

 .river for the longest period of years possible. 



Sixteenth. To ascertain the effects of erosion due to the denudation of watershed 

 or other areas and the damage effected thereby. 



Seventeenth. To ascertain what effect on high and low water in rivers the drainage 

 and tiling of farm land has had. 



Eighteenth. To ascertain who are the present owners of the areas referred to in 

 this act and when thev obtained such lands. 



