THE IRRIGA TION AGE. 121 



has a very simple and complete system regarding the regulation of the 

 water privileges and other states are endeavoring to make equally good 

 ones. The laws of Wyoming and Colorado are probably the most just 

 and comprehensive of any. In substance they make the following 

 provisions: The public character of all natural water sources; main- 

 tains the right of prior appropriation; gives the farmer first claim on 

 unappropriated water; provides that unused water must be returned to 

 the stream, that irrigation works shall have legal right of way; the 

 standard or measurement is to be fixed by law; water districts are to be 

 formed with commissioners to settle disputes and water masters to dis- 

 tribute, appeal to the courts being of course allowed. It is further pro- 

 vided that water appropriations must be registered in the county clerk's 

 office; that' there shall be a state engineer and that franchises are to be 

 granted with power to construct works and levy rents. 



As to the various methods in use for irrigating there are and have 

 been, so many different plans that it will take too much space to enum- 

 erate them here. It is safe to assert, however, that those who pinned 

 their faith to subterranean irrigation have been forced to confess that it 

 is not the glittering success they anticipated. Like many other things 

 it is better in theory than in practice. For general use probably the 

 best system and the one most approved by practical men, is that of irri- 

 gation by furrows. Flooding is good also, especially for crops like 

 alfalfa. 



But as my purpose was to give a brief history, or rather synopsis, 

 of the origin, growth and importance of irrigation, I will leave the dis- 

 cussion of the benefits and defects of different methods to some one better 

 fitted to explain them than I am. 



