OVERFLOW OF RED RIVER OF THE NORTH. 87 
districts. An organization formed along the lines of that provided by 
the Ohio conservancy act should be able to carry on the work effec- 
tively and economically. If it is necessary to make provision for a 
special board or commission, care should be taken to see that the 
number of members is not too large. 
Practically all streams, even the smallest, affect areas that extend 
beyond the control of any one interest; and as the effects upon any 
part of the lands through which they flow are not due to causes origi- 
nating wholly within that part but to broadly distributed conditions 
these streams should, to an extent, be considered as public property. 
The conditions along a stream are the result of natural processes not 
confined to any locality, and the beneficial effects of streams, as well 
as the extent of damage due to their existence, are dependent upon 
the balance of affecting conditions throughout the watershed. 
These conditions can be controlled to a great extent by artificial 
means and the natural processes so directed as to operate to the last- 
ing benefit of mankind. As the development of any part of a water- 
shed may affect other parts, it is most desirable that there should be 
some central authority over the whole, to regulate such develop- 
ments so as to receive the most equitable distribution of benefits 
among all concerned. 
Such authority is desirable not only in regulating the construction 
and maintenance of artificial development, but also in preventing 
deterioration of the natural waterways as they exist. All artificial 
works require inspection and repair from time to time to keep them 
in proper order, and all channels whether natural or artificial are 
subject to a variety of conditions which impair their usefulness. 
Little attention to proper maintenance of watercourse channels, as 
such, has been given in the past and much damage has resulted from 
channel obstruction and ungoverned flow, where the only reason for 
such damage was the lack of authority and initiative to remedy the 
evil. The need of such authority is generally understood and ad- 
mitted, but until some definite action is taken in the matter present 
conditions will continue. Legislative action regarding this should 
not only provide the necessary authority, but should also impose the 
responsibility for administering it, and fix penalties for failing to 
do so. 
CONCLUSIONS. 
Owing to peculiar topography, soil, and climatic conditions much of 
the land in the Red River drainage basin requires extensive artificial 
drainage although in many respects it is naturally well adapted for 
farming. Much has been accomplished in the way of reclamation of 
swamp lands and the improvement of run-off conditions, but further 
operations are necessary to provide adequate outlets and to relieve 
