28 
SEEPAGE OR RETURN WATERS FROM IRRIGATION. 
each year irrigate their lands. At the time of measurement they 
were irrigating extensively. It will be noticed in the tables, as in 
1895, that the canals are running nearly, if not quite full, though 
late in the season. This in itself increases the rapidity of flow from 
the lower ends of the small tubes extending to the river, and is one 
reason why the increase of water is more than in the case of the 
Poudre in proportion to the same area irrigated. The use of water 
at this time when vegetation is not active, also permits the use 
of water in greater quantities without damage. We have no 
measures which determine the amount actually used, but from 
observation and the conditions, it seems probable that water is 
used in greater quantities than in the Poudre valley. 
§ 22. Fig. 4 shows graphically the results of the gagings 
below the mouth of the Poudre. The distances between the 
points of measurement are in proportion to the distance between 
the lines. The amount of gain is indicated by the distance the line 
is above the base. Hence the steeper the line in any section, the 
faster is the gain in that section. If the line descends, as it does in 
some places, it indicates a loss. 
§ 23. The tables show the measurements in detail, and give 
the results of each. The dates and the observers are also given. 
The distances given are different from the distances given in 
the report of the State Engineer, but are believed to be here correct. 
In some cases the distance between the same points in different 
years is apparently not the same, the reason being that the place 
out of gaging was not quite the same. 
In gaging the Platte, the trouble to find accommodations 
caused considerable interference with the best prosecution of the 
work. Often after the last gaging of the day a drive of some miles 
would be necessary, and the river would be taken up at another 
point the next morning. This did not allow a check on any 
change the river may have undergone during the night. In 1895 
a tent and camp wagon was taken as far as Sterling, and tlie party 
camped where night overtook them. 
The height of the river was observed both night and morning. - 
It was proved that the change was exceedingly small, amnuiiting, 
usually, to an increase of about one-fourth inch during the night 
and a corresponding decrease during the day. A loose block of 
wood placed at the edge of the water the second night out from 
Greeley was undisturbed a week later and still just at the edge 
of the water, indicating a very steady condition of the stream. 
The ditches were not disturbed. Where streams are not men¬ 
tioned in some of the measurements, it is because they were found 
to be dry. 
In 1895 several small ditches near Julesbiirg were found to be 
drawing water. Their existence had never been reported to the 
AVater Commissioner, so that they had not been looked for in 1894. 
