DRAINAGE LAWS 219 



to assessment if the drain is built. Usually certain de- 

 tails must be observed. In some cases the petition must 

 be accompanied by, or must contain, a description of the 

 lands to be affected or benefited by such a drainage sys- 

 tem. In some cases it must declare that it is the opinion 

 of the petitioners that the enterprise is necessary to the 

 public good, or possibly the public health. In some cases 

 it must be accompanied by a guaranty that the prelimi- 

 nary expense will be met by the petitioners, if, after due 

 examination, the petition is denied. In Iowa this petition 

 must be presented to the county board through the county 

 auditor ; in Minnesota, to the county board or a district 

 judge, depending upon whether the drainage district lies 

 within one county or in two or more counties. In 

 Illinois, the petition is presented through the town clerk 

 to the highway commissioner of the town or towns in 

 which the proposed district lies. This in counties under 

 township organization. In counties not under township 

 organization the petition must be presented to the clerk 

 of the probate court. In Michigan the petition must be 

 presented to the county drain commissioner. 



292. Action upon the petition. The law usually 

 makes provision for the calling of a meeting which may 

 be followed by others, called or adjourned. Lawful 

 notice of such meeting must be posted, published, or 

 mailed, with a view to having all parties directly interested 

 informed of the time and place of the meeting. At the 

 first meeting the legality of the petition must be estab- 

 lished. Usually, if there are any errors, provision is 

 found in the law for their rectification. In some states, 

 any person who has not already signed the petition may 

 do so, but no person who has signed the petition may 

 withdraw his name, unless he can show that he signed it 



