■736 REVIEWS 



two conclusions which are thoroughly borne out \)>y the facts and dis- 

 cussion, [a] A truer index of climate than rainfall is relative humid- 

 ity. (/^) Observations covering a quarter of a century indicate that no 

 change in climate, save that of short-period oscillations, takes place. 

 While the High Plains area is a climatic unit, it shows evidence of 

 agreement in the series of climatic changes through Pleistocene, with 

 the Great Basin lake fluctuations, and with the advance and retreat of 

 the Rocky Mountain glaciers. 



The fourth chapter gives a graphic picture of the boom of 1888- 

 1893, with the subsequent disasters, and some suggestions as to what 

 may be grown on the High Plains. 



Chapter V proves the impossibility of general irrigation within the 

 High Plains. The facts are as follows: (i) The rainfall and streams 

 are wholly inadequate; (2) the mountain streams from the west are so 

 loaded with waste that ponds to retain their waters would be exceed- 

 ingly short-lived; (3) all mountain streams must pass through a 

 broad, arid, fertile strip amply sufficient to utilize all their waters ; (4) 

 artesian water in very small quantity is found in the valleys, but the 

 entire supply is altogether too small for general irrigation. This 

 source, however, is sufficient to furnish water for a garden and ranch 

 headquarters at occasional intervals. 



In the closing pages there is a discussion of the origin of peculiar 

 sink holes, and a theoretic explanation of the movements of under- 

 ground waters. This last brings together considerable valuable mate- 

 rial which formerly has been scattered and little known, but it presents 

 scarcely anything new. 



The author thus states his purpose at the outset, and he accom- 

 plishes his object: "To show that the High Plains, except in insig- 

 nificant degree, are non-irrigable, either from streams, flowing or 

 stored, or from underground sources, and that, therefore, for general 

 agriculture, they are irreclaimable; but that, on the other hand, water 

 from underground is obtainable in sufficient amount for reclamation 

 of the entire area to other uses ; that such reclamation has in fact 

 already begun, and is in progress of gradual, but sure development ; 

 and that it will be universally profitable." 



This paper will be of great service to those in the arid and sub- 

 arid regions, and to those who may contemplate immigration thither, 

 because it gives authentic information concerning fertility and water- 

 supply there. But the value of the paper is not alone in its descriptive 



