614 



CONSERVATION 



greater during the later half; and (2) 

 that in every case the precipitation with- 

 in the drainage basin was less in sev- 

 eral cases materially less during the 

 later half of the period. The number 

 of low waters, and the duration of the 

 low-water periods were augmented in 

 even more notable degree during the 

 later subperiods, though the records are 

 less complete. In all cases the change 

 accompanied extensive deforestation. 

 Were the preparation of a plan of im- 

 proving the Ohio under the new policy 

 adopted by the President and Secretary 

 of War now in question, it is probable 

 that a preference would be given to a 

 -ystem of fixed dams and locks, since 

 such a system would tend toward a 

 more complete control of the water, 

 and hence toward counteracting the 

 steady growth of the physical obstacles 



to navigation ; but the question of plan 

 has been settled a good enough plan 

 has been adopted, and the only sane 

 course is to carry out that plan vigor- 

 ously, promptly, and effectively. Mean- 

 time, the efficient scientific bureaus in 

 the Departments of the Interior and Ag- 

 riculture may safely be trusted to devise 

 and put in execution those nonengi- 

 neering plans required to control and 

 retain the water in such manner as to 

 prevent floods, keep the channels clear 

 of sediment, and insure a sufficient vol- 

 ume of water to meet the needs of nav- 

 igation even during extraordinarily dry 

 seasons. 



For the ensuing year nearly all the 

 old officers were reelected, including 

 Col. John L. Vance of Columbus, as 

 president, and Capt. J- I 7 - Ellison of 

 Cincinnati, as secretarv and treasurer. 



HIGH WATER ONlTHE OHIO RIVER 



Car Tracks, Railroad Yards, and Warehouses Flooded in One of the Manufacturing 

 Cities of the Upper Ohio Valley 



