54 THE IER1 GA T10N AG L. 



and Boise many irrigating systems have been constructed carrying 

 water to farms on the benches and lowlands. There is si ill a surplus 

 of supply, and the area thus cultivated can be extended, although it, is 

 probable that the lands now in private ownership will demand all the 

 water easily obtainable. 



"Considerable areas of vacant public land can probably be watered 

 by large canals heading on the Snake River near or below Idaho Falls, 

 and small tracts can doubtless be made valuable by the construction 

 of storage reservoirs upon or near the edge of the lava plains. Several 

 such reservoirs, as, for example, in the vicinity of Mountain Home, 

 have been built and are iu successful operation, the relatively low al- 

 titude and genial climate rendering possible the production of prunes 

 and similar fruits." 



THE WATER QUESTION. 



REPORT OP A MEMBER OF THE HYDROGRAPH1C 



SURVEY. 



The following article on the work of the hydrographic surveys 

 was written by George B. Hollister, resident hydrographer U. S. sur- 

 vey, Rutherford, N. J. : 



Prof. Israel C. Russell of the U. S. geological survey is at present 

 examining the great lava covered plain of Southern Idaho, through 

 which Snake Run has cut its deep canyon. Many creeks and rivers 

 rising in the mountains on both sides lose their waters as they enter 

 upon the pervious surface. These percolate under ground to finally 

 reappear in great springs far down the canyon walls. Some of the 

 streams from these springs are literally large enough to float a steam- 

 boat. It is the object of the geological survey to locate the course of 

 these underground waters beneath the drouth stricken region and to 

 indicate where, by deep wells, water may be had for the cattle or 

 sheep which for lack of water are unable to graze over the broad area. 

 There are many tracts of fertile land embracing thousands of acres 

 which by use of the waters now flowing to waste, might be made into 

 productive farms and orchards. This investigation is part of the 

 general study of the water resources of the country, and the maps 

 prepared will add to the series exhibiting the probable depth and 

 character of the waters beneath the surface. 



The United States geological survey is conducting a series of in- 

 vestigations in the vicinity of Greeley, Colo., the results of which are 

 expected to be of importance. The work, which is in the hands of 

 Mr. Geo. I. Adams, will consist in an examination of the geological 



