26 THE 1RR1 GA T10N A GE. 



carried on by the geological survey may be traced to the early work 

 of Major J. W. Powoll, and particularly to the report prepared by 

 him on the lands of the arid region transmitted April 1, 1878." 



After this review he spoke interestingly of work dene under 

 "these laws. Most of it has been of the first class mentioned that of 

 exploring for reservoir sites and investigating the flow of streams 

 and other possible sources of supply. The progress of the work was 

 carefully traced. 



In conclusion Prof. Newell said: "To sum up the present con- 

 ditions of reservoir surveys, it may be stated that at scattered 

 localities throughout the arid region a number of reservoir sites have 

 been surveyed and that some of these have been constructed; others 

 still more important may be built, but probably this can not be done 

 with direct financial profit. The great body of the public lands has 

 not yet been examined in detail, but as fast as means will permit 

 reservoir surveys are being conducted on a small scale. These 

 should be extended whenever practicable. The United States is still 

 the owner of one-third of its whole area, exclusive of Alaska, an area 

 three times as great as the thirtDen original states. This one-third 

 contains not only great resources in minerals and grazing, but also 

 immense tracts of rich agricultural land capable of supporting a 

 population of many millions wherever sufficient water can be had. 

 The utilization of this land or any considerable portion of it and the 

 development of the resources of the western half of the country are 

 practically at a standstill owing to the lack of water conservation. 

 The measurements of this survey have shown that during each year 

 great volumes of water run to waste, much of which could be held by 

 storage in natural reservoir sites already surveyed or believed to 

 exist among the high mountains and upon government land. In 

 order that these sites may be utilized whether by the individual or by 

 the community, it is necessary to continue and extend accurate 

 surveys and obtain correct information as to the location, capacity 

 and probable cost of construction." 



The lecturer closed with a discussion of possible causes of failure 

 and explanation of details of construction of dams and selection of 

 sites. 



The work now being done by the hydrographic department is of 

 incalcuable benefit, and will contribute largely to the success of the 

 plans for reclamation of arid lands. 



The trend of action so far has been toward government owner- 

 ship and management of streams, the waters of which have been or 

 may be diverted for irrigation purposes. Hon. Ellwood Meade, 

 expert in charge of the United States division stationed at Cheyenne, 

 Wyo., is outspoken in demanding repeal of the law now governing- 

 water rights and the enactment of laws which will vest such rights 



