Editorials. 



The scope of the work of the United States Geological 

 Survey was enlarged the present year by the adoption of an 

 amendment to the appropriation bill providing for the gauging 

 of the water supply of the United States, and for the investiga- 

 tion of the artesian water areas. The demands made upon the 

 Survey from time to time for information concerning the water 

 resources of the country are far greater than it is able to meet. 

 The demand is especially from the West ; but numerous calls also 

 come in from the East relative to the available water supply for 

 power, and in some areas for irrigation. Response to the 

 inquiries made requires not only a broad knowledge of the 

 topography, geological structure, and meteorological conditions 

 of the regions involved, but also more or less familiarity with 

 the local conditions governing the distribution and character of 

 the available water. These inquiries are made by all classes. 

 They come from farmers seeking to provide water for domestic 

 use, and for irrigation ; from individuals seeking artesian water 

 supply and water power ; from municipal organizations ; and 

 from members of congress having in view legislation concerning 

 the utilization of streams flowing across state boundaries. 



The general government has absolute title to nearly one third 

 of the area of the United States, excluding Alaska. With the 

 exception of certain areas within the Indian Reservations, the 

 public lands of the West are mainly within the arid or semi-arid 

 region. There is only enough water for the irrigation of a small 

 proportion of the rich soil. Whether it be received from artesian 

 sources or from precipitation direct, the government is still far 

 from knowing the total amount available, or the best method of 

 its utilization. 



In order to throw light upon one of the many phases of the 



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