Holbrook argus., 1902-10-25
commenced on the Colorado river bot

tom lanuS, MT. IerklnS sayS'
 "The United States geological sur vey, acting as agent for the ,eclama- tion of arid public lands, has at present completed the following organization for carrying on tl'is work between Camp Mohave, above the Needles, and the Mexican line First, a primary triangulation party is put in the field between these points to determine the exact positions of controlling points upon which to base detailed topo- graphical map of the entire river. Second, line of precise levels will be run by party starting from Camp Mohave proceeding down stream, and also by another party starting at Yuma, and proceeding up stream to connec- tion. These levels will be used also for control of the coLtour maps. A contour map will be made of this re- zion on the scale of one and one half inches to the mile for the hill country back from the river, showing eleva- tions of every fifty feet, and on the scale of two inches to tLe mile cover- ing the river bottom lands in this dis trict, showing elevations of every five feet. For this purpose typographical party is now started at Yuma. and two or more typographical parties will be started from the vicinity of the Needles. These fast mentioned parties will com plete the survey of the lands adjacent to the river bottoms under direction of R. U. Goode, geographer of the topo- graphical branch of the survey, and E. c. Barnard in charge in the field.
 "The survey of the river itself and the irrigable bottom lands will be under the general direction of F. H. Newell, cheif engineer of the hydro graphical division, myself being in charge of the field and under the gen. eral supervision of J. B. Lippincott as consulting engineer.
 "These engineering parties will also survey in detail diversion points for canals and make deter minations of depths to bedrock ,ss ssand character of the same at various possible dam sites. Probably from four to six parties will be engaged in this work. Upon this typographical map will be made comprehensive study of suitable loca- tions for irrigation canals and irriga- ble lands.
 "'The bureau of soils of the agricul- tural department, under Professor Milton Whitney, will assign party to study the agricultural quality of these lands. A permanent river obser- vation station will be established at Yuma and an engineer assigned to this station to devote his entire time to the study of silt problems, body of flow, evaporation, etc. Machinery has been ordered for the exploration of all rocks at the diversion points and dam sites mentioned above.
 Tt IS thought possible that oUU, JUL acres of land may be reclaimed by this stream. The land will be situated both in the territory of Arizona and the state of California. Such land, when reclaimed, should be worth $50 an acre, and provide settlement for popula- tion of 250,O0O. The soil is of extreme fertility, and may be compared to the rich producing lands of the Nile.
 "A large force of men, all under civil service regulations, an essential qualification, together with about thirty civil engineers, are on their way to this field. The monthly pay roll will amount to about $5000.