318 THE FUTURE OF ARID LANDS 
has prepared a report on the possibilities of artificial control of 
weather. 
Conclusion 
Time does not permit a discussion of numerous other problems. 
The large number of questions that remain unanswered may sug- 
gest that little progress has been made. In relation to the total 
task to be accomplished, progress has been small, but in relation 
to the effort that has been expended, progress has been satisfactory 
or rapid. Progress has been overshadowed by wild speculations, 
unsupported claims, and extreme statements which have raised 
false hopes. It is clear that the immediate solution to weather 
modification is not in sight, but from a long range point of view 
there is no reason to be pessimistic. Man is gradually learning to 
control such things as the atom and cancer, and there is no good 
reason to think that weather is beyond his reach. The failure to 
achieve satisfactory control by presently known methods does 
not prevent other and better methods from being found. At one 
time it was thought that there was one precipitation mechanism. 
Now several other methods are being considered. In other words, 
there is an indication that, if Nature does not make it rain one 
way, she provides another. Perhaps it will be the same for man. 
If we do not control the weather in one way, we will ultimately 
control it in some other way. This will require greater discoveries 
which will depend upon our vision and willingness to approach 
the problem with an open mind. 
REFERENCES 
1. Bowen, E. G. 1953. The influence of meteoritic dust on rainfall. 
Australian F. Phys. A. 6, 490. 
. Gunn, Ross. 1954. Electric field regeneration in thunderstorms. 
Gio WIGHEORO, Vil INI@; 2; WRSHUBe. 
Tsono, K. 1955. On ice-crystal nuclei and other substances found in 
snow crystals. 7. Meteorol. 12, No. 5, 456-462. 
4. Neumann, J. 1954. Fluctuations of long period accumulations of 
daily rainfall amounts. Australian F. Phys. T, 522-526. 
5. Schaefer, Vincent J. 1950. Experimental meteorology. 7. Applied 
Math. Phys. 1, 153-236. 
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