I/O 



THE IRRIGATION AGE. 



facilities for visiting the Grand canyon proper at 

 some point that would be considered the most attract- 

 ive and interesting. 



The nineteenth century is preeminently an age of 

 great engineering works and vast enterprises. Ascents 

 are now made by rail to the tops of some of the high- 

 est mountains, affording the scientist and lover of 

 nature satisfactory views of the world's geological 

 phenomena. It is hoped that in the near future the 

 Grand canyon and its surroundings may be visited 

 without fatigue and unnecessary waste of time and 

 outlay of money. 



As has been stated, the Colorado river has a large 

 and inexhaustible supply of water, capable of fur- 

 nishing more water power in its numerous cataracts 

 along its course through the Grand canyon than any 

 other river. A plant could be established that would 

 afford power necessary for running dynamos, from 

 which electricity maybe conducted to motors to- be 

 used for operating cars, elevators, etc. By means of 

 an elevator, or incline, a high point could be reached 

 which would give an extensive view of the surround- 

 ing wonderland. A single electric rack railway in- 

 cline, or a system of elevators combined with inclines, 

 could be constructed and operated so that the water's 

 edge could be safely and comfortably reached. Boats 

 could run by electricity on a portion of the river, 

 which would give good views from the depths of the 

 "inner gorge." A trolley line, a few miles in length, 

 operated on the margin of the river or valley ground, 

 would serve the same purpose. A similar line, oper- 

 ated on the rim of the canyon would add materially to 

 the facilities for making observations. Perhaps water 



power could be applied directly to machinery, oper- 

 ating inclines without introduction of electricity. 

 Ample power could be obtained from the Colorado to 

 operate an electric road extending hundreds of miles 

 along its course, especially in the Grand canyon 

 district. Relay plants for generating electricity could 

 be located at such places as would be necessary to 

 furnish power for an electric trolley system, or for 

 engines run by storage batteries. This power could 

 be made available for electric lighting, and also for 

 compressing air to be used for mining and manufact- 

 uring purposes generally. 



The Denver and Rio Grande railroad and the 

 Santa Fe route are now celebrated as scenic routes, 

 and, if extended to the Grand canyon district, they 

 would become still more popular in that par- 

 ticular. A road leading to the Grand canyon would 

 have advantages over all others. It would be 

 the means of forcing travel both ways. It cer- 

 tainly would be a good road for both business 

 and pleasure, and would receive a large share of 

 patronage, and hence be profitable to its stockholders. 

 In that section of the country there are extensive 

 mining interests already established, which would 

 be more fully developed. New mines would be 

 opened and other interests would be promoted in 

 like manner. 



It is to be hoped that enterprising capitalists will 

 take hold of this matter, and that a road will be built 

 along the channel of the Colorado, in the vicinity of 

 the Grand canyon. An achievement of this kind will 

 be in harmony with the enterprising spirit of the 

 present time. 



CLIFF DWELLINGS IN THE GRAND CANYON. 



