The record-union., 1899-01-21

plies Of water from wells: into the.
causes which are affecting the gradual
decrease Of the flow OF artesian wells,
which in many districts are yielding
less than can be reasonably expected.
This decrease Is, of course, in part
due to the drainage OF Of rainfall from
the tributary catchment areas, and the
consequent shortening Of the time dur
ing which the flood waters sink beneath
the soil and are caught in the stratas
which yield well and artesian supplies.
The Law. looks, likewise, to determine
ton of the limits to which such sup
plies can be relied upon, and to the
pointing out Of measures necessary to
protect and conserve the industries de-
pendent upon these supplies.
1t is therefore eminently proper, nay,
it would seem to be from recent de-
velopments and incomplete inquiries
imperative, that this investigation
should be conducted, and there is no
agency better fitted to economically
and reliably conduct it than the State
University. The reasons are: First
The trained mind engaged in scientific
pursuits is least liable to be misled in
researches of this character. Second
1t removes this important work, In
which all have common interest and
hope from the baneful influence of po-
litfcal control Third-It places at the
disposal Of the great industries of the
State Information and data Of incal-
culable value.
with work now being done in gen.
eral way by the Federal Government,
but 1t supplements the indefinite work
thus done by supplying the special
needs which are OF vital Importance to
the industries of this State, and which
vary so greatly from those other por-
tions Of our country.
The prospect of seasonable rains dur
ing the rest of the winter and the COM
ing spring should not cause us to lose
sight of the vast Importance Of this
subject. Deficient, average or excessive
rainfall must occur in future seasons,
as in the past. While disastrous sea-
sons are, fortunately, the exception
rather than the rule, it is the part of
wisdom to provide, as far as human
wisdom can, for the results, and to be
forewarned is to ward eff most Of the
disasters which come with dry
.lo1xcy In a d
vance as to the probable character OF
an approaching season, it will be read
| lily understood, will be practical, eco
nomic equipment for the season.
The lines of study which are neces-
sary to follow in this important work
are very broad. They will require the
collection and compilation of data from
all sources, and the comparisons Of
temperatures, rainfall and weather
phenomena over vast areas of sea and
land. It is Of record that the Japan
Current-.hat vast river of warm
water which flows across the Pacific
Ocean-varies it's position on the west
ern side as much as 500 miles. What
effect has that variation had on this
side upon our climate and rainfall? :?
How, when and why do these changes
take place? What effect do they have
upon other conditions vital to us? Does
the record of observations taken in the
past on the other side correspond with
climatic changes on this side with sufH-
cient regularity and certainty to form
basis Of belief for the future?
These are some of the problems which
confront the student Of the weather.
and upon the solution of which depend
the wealth and prosperity of the vast
industries Of agriculture, horticulture,
mining and commerce. Let US hope that
no petty considerations will delay the
prompt passage of the bill under con-
sideration, and of all necessary meas
ures to inaugurate and carry on the
work on the lines indicated.