G. K. Gilbert—The Colorado Plateau Province. 97 
Its capacity for the transportation of a given kind of debris 
is enlarged in more than simple ratio by increase of declivity ; 
and it is enlarged in more than simple ratio by increase of vol- 
tbe competence of the stream at the point of ae 
The chief point of supply is at the very head of the flowing 
all 
sedatseg is augmented, or, if fine particles are not in sufficient 
oree, | i i 
course—as, for example, in approaching the ocean—the capac- 
ity for transportation also diminishes ; and so soon as the 
capacity becomes less than the load, precipitation begins,—the 
coarser particles being deposited first. 
Corrasion.—If a stream has no load of detritus, it corrades 
only by solution. If it is loaded to its full capacity, it does 
