russell.] ARTESIAN WELLS. 185 
previous page for testing the artesian conditions in what has been 
termed the Lewis artesian basin, and also in the probable artesian 
slope lying southwest of Shoshone as well as in the " Hagerman bend." 
5. At Mountain Home the Bennett well should be developed and drill- 
ings made in the alluvium on which the town is situated. The Moun- 
tain Home hot springs can also be developed and their water piped to 
the town if desired. Drill holes put down along Syrup, Long Tom, 
and Rattlesnake creeks in the mountain portions of their courses 
would serve to increase the flow of these streams. Storage reservoirs 
are possible on these same creeks. Where Canyon and Rattlesnake 
and other similar creeks leave the mountains, the escape of their 
water by percolation can be checked in some instances b}^ putting in 
dams reaching to the solid rock beneath the alluvium. 
6. Every Assure spring in southern Idaho is a warrant that water 
under pressure exists beneath the surface, and in many instances these 
openings can be made to deliver a greater flow than at present. 
7. On the broader portion of the Snake River Plains, west of Black- 
foot and elsewhere, rock wells are possible, but flowing- water is prob- 
ably not obtainable. 
8. It is self-evident that there is but little if any use in attempting 
to put down the test wells suggested, unless the work is done by a 
skilled and conscientious driller, under the direction of a competent 
engineer. Each water-bearing stratum should be tested in order to 
determine the pressure under which the water exists, and the quantity 
available. Each well should he properly eased. 
Flowing wells supplied Iry artesian basins or "artesian wedges" 
should be closed when the water is not being used. The reason for 
this is that the supply is being drawn from a reservoir that is not 
inexhaustible. Flowing wells, however, supplied by artesian slopes, 
and those which are essentially developed fissure springs, should be 
open continuously in order to keep the artificial opening clear and also 
because the water will otherwise escape by natural openings and no 
economy would result from closing the drill holes. 
9. Lastly, it is painfully apparent that the control of the water sup- 
ply, both for irrigation and other uses, and the sanitary inspection of 
towns and of isolated houses, should be placed in the hands of a compe- 
tent engineer. While this suggestion is perhaps in a measure imprac- 
ticable, as the private ownership of water is not likely to be relin- 
quished and people will claim the privilege of living as they choose 
even though the death rate is higher than it should be, yet the present 
waste of water is so great and the prevalent ignorance or disregard of 
the laws of health so general that centralization of control or general 
education of the people is imperative. 
