1 54 THE IRRIGTION A GE. 



gation and has for the time being no use for water, he may desire that 

 it be shut put from his lateral. In such cases he leaves a note tacked 

 on his head gate, requesting the ditch rider to shut it off at a specified 

 time, and in the same manner notifies him to turn it on when he again 

 needs it. The ditch rider gets these messages when he makes his 

 daily round over the ditch. 



Where a ditch does not exceed 12 or 15 miles in length one ditch 

 rider is expected to patrol its entire length, but upon more extensive 

 systems several may be required to perform these duties. Where there 

 are several required the canal is divided into divisions, each of which 

 is patrolled by a separate rider. In such cases the length of a division 

 ridden by one man depends upon the character of the duties, varying 

 materially with the amount of repairs, the danger of breaks and leaks, 

 and the number of regulating gates to look after. The average length 

 of a division is, however, from 12 to 15 miles, and the average compen- 

 sation for the work ranges from $50 to $75 per month, out of which 

 he must pay his own board and furnish and maintain his own horse 

 and cart. 



