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DRY-FARMING CONGRESS, WICHITA, 1914 



DEAN BURNETT: 



This concludes our morning session. We shall meet promptly at 1:30; 

 and I ask you to bear in mind the stockyards arrangement for this after- 

 noon. 



TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 

 AFTERNOON SESSION 



PRESIDENT WATERS: 



We have with us this afternoon an important member of the United 

 States Forest Service, who, because of other engagements, is compelled to 

 speak to us now. The importance of the work of the Forest Service, 

 especially in respect of moisture-conservation, one of the cardinal tenets 

 of this Congress, is notable. 



I now have the pleasure of introducing Smith Riley of Denver, Dis- 

 trict Forester. 



Address of Mr. Riley. 

 THE RELATION OF FORESTS TO AGRICULTURAL WATER SUPPLY 



In taking up the subject of the relation of forests to agricultural water 

 supply, I wish to avoid a controversial attitude, and at the same time to 

 present the opinion of the forester as strongly as possible. It is realized 

 that this subject, especially as it involves the question of the relation 

 between forests and streamflow, has been presented from many angles by 

 different scientists, engineers, and others, and that there is room in a 

 discussion of the subject for many opinions. My object, therefore, should 

 not be to present opinions alone, but as many facts as possible, and, after 

 making my meaning clear, to leave it to you to form your own opinions. 



Of the various relations that exist between forests and the water sup- 

 ply, that which has to do with their effect on streamflow is undoubtedly 

 the most important. This is a question which affects directly every irriga- 

 tor, and affects indirectly nearly every human activity. The forester has 

 formed his opinion regarding the importance of forests in regulating 

 streamflow and preventing erosion from several sources. 



Not only does an analysis of the influence of the forest upon each of 

 the different factors affecting streamflow indicate that it must have a 

 marked effect in regulating the character of the run-off, but actual experi- 

 ence demonstrates the same thing. In Europe there are many historic 

 examples of formerly navigable rivers which have become so filled up with 

 detritus and so irregular in their flow in consequence of deforestation at 

 their headwaters as to make navigation impossible. Such countries as 

 France and Switzerland, after centuries of forest destruction, have been 

 compelled to reforest their denuded mountains in order to control the moun- 

 tain torrents and to retain the fertility of the valleys. 



In the United States it is generally recognized by reliable observers 



