DRAINAGE AND CHARACTER OF WATER. 75 



from ten to twelve days, while with ordinary water, under the 

 same circumstances, they can be found within a week. 



The waters of the Platte do not differ materially from those of the 

 Missouri. It holds almost as much sediment in suspension during 

 flood time, but materially less during low water. In 1874, I 

 took a sample from the Platte, near Omaha Junction, in flood 

 time in June, and one from the same place, at low water in Octo- 

 ber. The following result was obtained by filtering. At high 

 water, 397 grains from one gallon; at low water, 39 grains from 

 one gallon. It is seen from this result that the amount of sedi- 

 ment held in suspension by the Platte^ during high water, is over 

 ten times as great, as during low water. The difference is much 

 greater than between high and low water, in the Missouri. In 

 other words, the Platte much more nearly becomes clear than the 

 Missouri. The qualitative analysis also showed the presence 

 of lime, soda, iron, carbonic and hydrochloric acid. Then in less 

 quantities followed sulphuric acid, magnesia, potash, and organic 

 matter. There was less lime and iron, and more potash than in 

 the water of the Missouri. Analyses varied considerably between 

 high and low water, and between samples taken at different 

 places. The above is, therefore, only an approximation to the 

 correct composition of the water. 



The temperature of the Platte waters is comparatively high. 

 At or near its mouth, its average for June, 1879, was 69; for July, 

 76, and for August, 78. When, however, the water of the Platte 

 is left to settle, and become clear, it can safely be used for domestic 

 purposes. It is purer than that which is used by the majority 

 of mankind. 



On analysis, it is found, that the water of the Republican closely 

 resembles that of the Platte. As it receives by drainage a consider- 

 able quantity of the water of the Platte, and flows over similar 

 deposits, this similarity in chemical character would be expected. 



The Niobrara River varies in different parts of its course in the 

 quality and temperature of its waters, more than any other river in 

 Nebraska. Where it enters the State, it is a clear, sparkling 

 stream, and before it reaches the canyon region, it approximates in 

 character to that of the upper Platte. Here, however, it flows 

 between lofty walls and receives such a vast number of cold 

 springs of water, that the whole river partakes of their character. 

 After it emerges from this canyon region, it again gradually approxi- 

 mates in the character of its water to that of the Platte. 



