The Red Cloud chief., 1880-02-26
RAINFALL N NEBRASKA.

WI give below a short sketch from
prof. Augbey's work on the increasing
rainfall and its causes, as it is o subject
that deserves the attention of our farmers,
and should be studied by them. We are
prepared to say from personal observation
during a residence of the last fourteen
years in this state, that We fully believe
the facts as set down by Mr.. Aughey in
the following article. He says that
Western Nebraska, which has been and
still is to = degree lacking in the moisture
of atmosphere and soil required foy sue
cessful agriculture, may reasonably ex-
pect a plentiful annual supply of rainfall
in the near future. To illustrate, the
average rainfall from 1859 to lSG9 was 80
inches per year at Lincoln, the capital Of
the state; 26 at kearney, 20 at North
Platte and I6 near the wcstesn boundary.
The average rainfall for the next decade
1869 TO lSI9-was encouraging, there
being an average Sail of % inches at
Lincoln, 81 at Kearney, 20 at North
| Platte and II near the western border
line.
That tie reader may understand how
much rain is required for the ordinary
uses of the husbaudman, it is interesting
to note that, according to the researches
Of Arago, the city of Paris has an aver
age annual rainfall of 90 inches,
As fusther proof of increasing rainfall
in Nebraska, Prof. Aughey gives a record
Of $50 living springs that have made their
appearance in the last ten years where
they were never known before; the ap-
pearance Of streams of water in Old creek
beds, where it apparently had not been
flowing Cor ages; the increasing size of
the rivers OF the state, the changing
vegetation, the retreating of buffalo grass
westward, and usurpation of grasses in
digenous to moister climates. He like
wise points out an increase in the spon
taneous groth Of timber. While all these
changes are the result of an increased
moisture in climatic conditions, they also
tend to still further attract the rains of
the heavens and increase the annual
supply.
Different theories prevail as to the
causes that are producing an increase of
rainfall along the frontier of the far west.
One is that the region is now 10 a stage
of increasing moisture on account of a
natural law which seemingly rotates over
great periods giving maximum and miui-
mumeras to the moisture of certain great
belts Of country. Professor Aushey says
that western America passed through
many such revolutions during the later
geological ages, and that their causes are
well understood-when, for example, the
region of the plains was dotted with fresh
water, lakes, and q moister climate must
have prevailed.
1t is firmly held by come that the lay
ing of iron for railroads, and puttisg M
Of telegraph wires, attract rain storms.
Others believe thAt the atmosphere con-
cussions of moving trains and locomotives
have much TO do with preceprtating rain.
Still others claim that tree-planting. and
the great increase in the shsorptive
power of the soil, from cultivation, 20
far toward this end.
The fact Is Conclusive that the moisture
belt Is eztesdmg s0estsoard, and whether
from natural causes or BY superral grace,
is most encouraging to all the hopes that
cluster about that vast and enterprising
host which is pushing Its way and carry
hg civilization and culture into and
ACROSS the vast domain Of the Giant
West.