IQ 
this method will give as satisfactory results as any divisor 
with which I am acquainted. An increase in the size of the 
ditch just at the division box will aid in bringing the water to 
rest. Boxes of this kind were used by Hon. J. Max Clark, of 
Greeley, as earlv as 1S67. 
The divisor which is in use at Elche, in Spain, is one 
which has developed from their conditions in that province. 
At Elche there is a peculiar system of water management. 
The water is owned independently of the land. The amount 
available is divided into a certain number of shares, and the 
use of each of these for twenty-four hours is sold each 
day in the market place to those who want water. In conse¬ 
quence the amount which enters any lateral varies from day 
to day, and the method of division requires a convenient way 
of varying the proportion. 1 
Where the division is to be made, the sides and bottom 
of the canal are made of cut stone for a distance of about 
fifteen feet. There are two falls in the canal of twelve and 
sixteen inches respectively, about five feet apart, the upper 
one being about seven feet from the upper portion of the 
masonry. I he canal for a distance of 150 or 200 feet above 
has little or no fall, so that the water reaches the first fall 
with almost no velocity, and passes over undisturbed and 
perfectly smooth. Furthermore, there is no contraction at 
the ends, so that the discharge is nearly in proportion to the 
length. 
d hearrangement for making the division consists of a par¬ 
tition which is permanent masonry, and divides the canal below 
the falls into two channels. At the upper end of this partition is 
a movable piece of wood coming to a point which is pivoted to 
the end of the partition, and can be held so that its upper end 
will include any assigned portion of the channel within cer¬ 
tain limits. The length of the beak of wood is made so that 
it reaches to the upper drop when in line with the axis of the 
partition. 1 he beak is set so as to include the desired por¬ 
tion of the channel and thus remains for twenty-four hours. 
At Lorca, for a portion of the area under cultivation, 
there is a system of sale something like that at Elche, in 
which the amount which enters any ditch may vary from day 
to day.^ ^ A divisor which may be called a needle divisor is 
used. . I he same care is used in the preparation of the chan¬ 
nel as in the previous one described. A permanent masonry 
partition is placed in the channel. The proportion which 
enters the lateral channel is varied by varying the relative 
width of the main and lateral channels. This is done by in¬ 
serting or taking out a series of narrow boards placed verti- 
