THE CONQUEST OF ARID AMERICA 



in other western States was cured at a stroke in Wy- 

 oming. 



The State Engineer then proceeded as rapidly as pos- 

 sible to measure every stream used for irrigation, and to 

 prepare diagrams showing their flow at different seasons 

 of the year. When new appropriations were filed, these 

 diagrams and records became very useful, as showing 

 the amount of water unused and therefore available for 

 the needs of new settlers. Thus there was no danger 

 that more water would be granted away than flowed in 

 the stream, which is the ridiculous condition in many 

 other localities. The same rule was applied to the en- 

 largement of old canals. Such enlargements could not 

 be made without the consent of State authority, and be- 

 fore this would be given it must be demonstrated that 

 there was actually a surplus in the stream to fill the en- 

 larged canal. 



Elsewhere reservoirs, dams, and canals are construct- 

 ed without any public supervision. In Wyoming all 

 plans and specifications must first be submitted to the 

 State Engineer, in order that he may judge as to whether 

 they are in accordance with public policy, by making the 

 best use of the water supply and by conserving life and 

 property. 



These wise laws could be of little effect unless en- 

 forced and carried out by an adequate system of adminis- 

 tration. This was also provided under Mr. Mead's influ- 

 ence. The State Engineer is the head of the system, and 

 he has two assistant engineers. The State is divided 

 into four large divisions, corresponding to natural hydro- 

 graphic districts, and over each a division superinten- 

 dent is placed in charge. These divisions are then 



218 



