18 CLASSIFICATION OF THE PUBLIC LANDS. 



the topographic branch is but little less close. The graphic data 

 on drainage areas, stream grades, reservoir sites, and general topo- 

 graphic features which result from the work of the topographic 

 branch, when combined with the data on water supply assembled 

 by the water-resources branch, furnish the basis for determining most 

 irrigation and power problems. 



In addition to the work done by these technical divisions and sec- 

 tions, certain miscellaneous duties are performed by means of a less 

 well-defined administrative division of the board, whose functions 

 are closely interwoven with those of the technical divisions and are 

 participated in by some of the same officers. A committee, of which 

 the secretary of the board is chairman, has charge of the filing and 

 docketing system. The chairman of the oil section is responsible for 

 the records in the division of mineral classification and for the details 

 of cooperation with the Land Office and the Indian Office ; the chair- 

 man of the water-power section is chiefly responsible for the records 

 in the division of hydrographic classification. 



The more important elements in the organization are set forth 

 in the following outline: 



LAND-CLASSIFICATION BOABD. 



Administration. 



Chief of board. 

 Chief engineer. 

 Secretary. 



Division of mineral classification. 



A geologist in charge. 

 Coal section. 

 Oil section. 

 Phosphate section. 

 Metalliferous section. 



Division of hydrographic classification. 



A chief engineer in charge. 

 Water-power section. 

 Irrigation section. 



HISTORY AND LEGAL BASIS FOR LAND CLASSIFICA- 

 TION. 



INTBiODUCTIOlT. 



Ever since the policy of selling the lands of the public domain as 

 a source of national revenue was abandoned and the contrary policy 

 of so disposing of them as to promote settlement and development 

 was adopted, the administration of the land laws passed by Congress 



