G. H. KNIBBS. XLV. 
12. Real form of the*actual problem.—In its absolute 
form, the problem is insoluble, that is to say we shall prob- 
ably never know with exactitude the condition of the 
artesian strata. But it is possible to construct for each 
well, what may be called its theoretical equivalent; and 
by careful investigation of the evidence, to constitute a 
representative stratum of similar behaviour. If that be 
well done, it will be a true guide, and it will reveal what 
is possible in the way of narrowing down our deductions to 
the great questions, 
(a) To what extent may we push exploitation ? 
(b) Are we exhausting our artesian supply, or is the loss 
being made good ? 
(c) What are the distance and other conditions which 
should govern the frequency of bores ? 
V.—CONCLUSION. 
1. How and when investigation should be made.—The 
difficulty of any real attack on the problem perhaps now 
more fully appears; and it remains but toadd a few words 
on the practical drift of the matter. And first we may 
ask, ‘How and when should the investigation be made ?’ 
First as to the how of the examination. Primarily it 
may be said that the hydraulic question is quite outside 
the range of ordinary professional engineering, for it pre- 
sents mathematical difficulties of a very special character. 
Secondly, to reach an adequate solution, the characteristics 
of the increase of pressure on diminishing the flow, and of 
the reaction on adjacent bores must be ascertained, there- 
fore in the investigation every facility must be given by 
those in charge of the bores or by those to whom they 
belong. The conditions of satisfactory inquiry may conse- 
quently be summed up substantially as follows :— 
(a) Special-command of hydrokinetics. 
