100 



THE IRRIGATION AGE. 



FIG. 1. RELATIVE POSITIONS OF RAINFALL STATIONS. 

 The amount of precipitation is indicated by the diameter of the circles. 



throughout the West where the depth of precipitation 

 is being observed, and in a few years it is probable 

 that in each important drainage basin facts concern- 

 ing rainfall will be available, especially over the agri- 

 cultural areas and in the vicinity of towns. There is 

 still great need, however, of more stations in the 

 higher valleys and upon or among the peaks from 

 which the important streams receive their water sup- 

 ply. Until more high stations are established and 

 maintained continuously, for a number of years, it 

 will be impossible to do more than guess at the depth 

 of rain and snow falling upon the higher summits. 



The accompanying diagram, figure 1, shows the rela- 

 tive location of stations from which data concerning 

 the depth of rainfall were obtained for the year 1890. 

 The circles in this map, figure 1, show not only the 

 relative location of the points of observation, but by 

 their diameter indicate the relative quantity of pre- 

 cipitation. From this it can be seen at a glance that 

 while the eastern portions of Kansas, Nebraska and 

 Texas and the western portion of California were well 

 covered, in the intermediate areas there were com- 

 paratively few observations, spots as large in size as 

 the New England States being without a single local- 



