Mr. Chitten- 
den. 
506 DISCUSSION: FORESTS, RESERVOIRS, AND STREAM FLOW 
The writer’s criticism was directed solely against the visionary 
aspects of the case and the bold effort that was being made to sidetrack 
important practical projects in the interest of a stupendous and un- 
certain scheme. An estimate of $125 000000, held out in dazzling 
figures before the people, is now withdrawn in favor of the writer’s 
estimate of $500000000. This is exactly the amount of the bond 
issue now being urged to bring all the waterways of the country into 
prime condition. If this reservoir system were to be built, where 
would the remainder of the country come in? 
The time is now at hand when some of these reservoirs should be 
built; the low-water conditions of 1908 demonstrate this necessity. 
The time may come when they will all be built, but it will only be 
when their utility has been demonstrated on other grounds than flood 
protection and navigation. If ever built, they will unquestionably be 
of value to both those interests, but they cannot be justified on their 
account alone. 
Arthur P. Davis, M. Am. Soc. C. E., Chief Engineer, U. S. Re- 
clamation Service,* calls attention to the great value of the reservoirs 
being built for irrigation in controlling floods on the streams below 
them. Mr. Davis’ views throughout are characterized by a clear com- 
prehension of the possibilities and limitations of reservoirs in pro- 
moting one purpose though built for another. His anticipations will 
doubtless be fully realized. 
The writer is glad to note in a recent issue of one of the technical 
journals that steps are being taken to determine a more definite esti- 
mate of the value of our natural water-powers. It is indeed important 
that this be done. Whatever may have been Mr. Leighton’s intention in 
regard to the $20 value, as used in his numerous writings upon the 
subject, the understanding which the average reader has gathered is 
that undeveloped powers (that is, minus power-plant installation) 
would be worth at least $20 to the Government. 
Having considered the more general aspects of the discussion, the 
writer will now take up a few of the special points brought out by the 
several contributors. He will take these up seriatim as presented, and 
not attempt to reduce them to classification. In large part the ad- 
verse criticisms of his paper are based upon a misunderstanding of 
what the writer said. The first reading has aroused a feeling of op- 
position among those who have always thought the other way. In- 
stead of weighing his arguments, they have frequently replied either 
by flat contradiction or the citation of exceptions, forgetting that an 
exception does not ordinarily invalidate a rule. There will be no at- 
tempt to notice all these criticisms, and the reader will simply be 
asked to compare them with the text to which they relate. 
* The Engineering Record, November 18th, 1908, p. 558. 
