The ranch. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1902-1914, 1904-03-15

outlined and the costs aScertained, 1t
is submitted to board of engineers
convened for the purpose, who, after
examination on the ground, pass upon
the facts and either approve or disap-
prove after full consideration of the
matter. The findings of these engin-
eering boards are Transmitted by the
chief engineer, through the director of
the geological survey, with recommen-
dations for action.
Investigations are being carried on
in the various states and territories
to ascertain the important problems
and to select from among the numer-
Gus projects those which appear best
under the terms of the law. Many
matters must be taken into account,
not only of the physical conditions,
but also of the legal phases and prob
ability of ultimate success. The re-
clamation fund must be carefully
guarded from loss or diminution, and
the feasibility of every project con-
sidered from this standpoint.
Out of the almost innumerable
needs of the arid lands, certain pro-
jects must be selected by the chief
engineer and his advisers in nearly
every state and territory from the two
or three, or more, projects which may
be considered of national Importance,
and out of these one must be chosen
for recommendation to the SECRETARY of
the interior for construction. There is
thus opportunity for wide differences
of opinion, and large responsibilities
are thrown upon the men making
these recommendations
rAti hocs
already been begun. These are in
Nevada on Truckee River, of large
canal to take the waters of this stream
and carry them to the Lower Carson
reservoir site, where they will be min
gled with the waters of Carson river
and utilized for the reclamation of
lands around Carson Sink and Lake.
The other locality is in Arizona, on
Salt River, where work has been be-
gun looking toward construction of a
large storage dam for retaining the
arid land near Phoenix.
In other states and territories pro-
jects are reaching stage where they
will be recommended for early con-
struction, unless unforeseen contin-
gencies occur. All of the works are
on a considerable scale, and necessi-
tate careful consideration of details.
Delays may result from various caus-
es; the necessity of obtaining addi-
tional facts, or from difficulties arts
ing in dealing with individuals upon
satisfactory basis, as regards lands
with rights which must be purchased.
The secretary of the interior has the
right of condemnation, but it is not
desirable to exercise this right If a
reasonable bargain can be made with
persons from whom lands must be
bought. The attempt is made to COM
plete all purchases without resort to
law, even though time is consumed in
arranging a satisfactory price.
The work is mainly done by con-
tract, in some cases preparations be-
ing made to let contract by carrying
on preliminary work through employ
ment of day labor. The contracts are
advertised and let in the usual man
ner, advertisements being inserted in
the Government Advertiser Engineer
ing News and technical or local jour-
nails.
1t may be many years before the
strength or weakness of the law or it's
administration is made manifest, as
the reclamation of arid land and the
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