The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1859-02-06

THE 0VERFL0 VS. or THE MISSISSIPPI.


In the Of the consultations Of the Advisory
GARD Of Agriculture, lately convened at the Patent
nee the subject Of the foundations Of the lower Mis-
Spm was introduced and discussed at some length
uessor Henry, Of the saithsoaiaa Institntion, had
ousy explained the plan aud objects Of the series Of
genealogical observations, made IN iore than three
ndred situations in the United States and elsewhere on
bis continent, under the joint direction and expense Of
bit institution and the Patent Office in the agricultural
perations Of the latter and Mr. Williamson of Mem
his Tennessee referred 10 these observations as eppca
to the purpose in view, stating that the overows of
Mississippi destructive chiefly because neither
periods OF their their magnitude could
certainly anticipated; that the extent Of the injury
hey produce is incalculablc, often comprehendng mil
n in the sacrifice Of unharrestcd crops and plantation
PoEements while the diseases TO the inhabitants of
adjacent regions, occasioned by them, were still
me deplorable lie believed that by means Of a
mes of observations throughout the valley Of the Mis-
krT, the residents OF the low counties might always
iofewmned, and consequently forcarmed
The subject thus presented is of great practical
portance 1t is known that from the occurrence in the
nthen tributaries Of the Mississippi of heavy rains or
den thaws full weeks eapse before the consequent
in the lower river IL is therefore, obvious that the
Guilty Of foreknowedge with respect such yisitations
ny be obtained by the prosecution OF series OF oiscr
atons and the comparison of Causes and results 1t
nd require but brief experience to enable observers
Memphis or New Orleans to calculate the height Of
Hood at either Of these points given day when
formed OF the aqueous condition OF the regions drained
each tributary stream above at certain previous
ONT Of time. Thus when the river is at an ordinary
age at Memrhisor the LIST Of April, let say--and
conditions with respect to rain melting SHOWS of
e upper country, and OF the height Of the river itself
well as it's tributaries at intervening points ON the
me day are also ascertained The of the river at
emphis alta certain subsequent timesay forty days
er-may be determined with great precision Now
this knowledge were always obtainabls, forty,
rty or even twenty days IN advance If the fresh
Immense losses and injuries might be averted Ivy
Construction and repair Of dykes and levoes BIZ the
novai TO places OF security Of the garnercd crops and
her property by the isolation Of buildings and grounds
sPecia valoe by means of enbankrnents ADEQUATE 10
occasion, snd the adoption Of other Efficient arencx
which many days of diligcnt labor ARE always reaui
e In the future, when the telegraph wire shall pcr.
de the whole land the nerves Of sensation prvade
he human frame the principle recommended win be Of
nversal application and greater efficiency than at pres
n but the now within our reach are sufficient
the accomplishment Of incalculsbe good and should
erefore, be promptly and diligently applied. II IN
sod pecnniay aid is needed for The procurement Of
and river gauges, for placing them in the hands of
Hble Observers, cr the regular transmission Of reports
main focus AZ some eligible point and for the due
0oication 81 timely information all interested it ar
Confidently asked OF Congress for there is no room
Doubt the appreciation by that body Of scheme so
aehoent and important