The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1905-02-24

tageously be directed to secure imme.
diate development.
Some interesting figures in regard
to the amount of water flowing in the
different streams is included. This is
the most prominent feature in the re-
ports Of the engineers of some other
states, and is ordinarily the branch of
the work demanding the first attention
and most continuous consideration,
for the reason that without definite
knowledge of the quantity of water or
dinarily to be expected in the various
streams any plans for the utilization
of that water cannot be properly made.
This he explained at some length in
the report, but few such measurements
are included this year. for the reason
that Prof. Chandler, as one of the en-.
slneering force of the United States
reclamation service lis in charge of the
regular series of such measurements
made Qunder federal appropriation on
the principal streams of North Dakota
and Minnesota, most of which have
oeen maintained continuously for
about two years now; the results are
therefore reported to Washington for
publication.
one chapter explains the differen,
methods for measuring the flow OF
streams-by floats, by weir, by current
meter, etc.-with the advantages and
dlfficulties OF each, and should be OF
assistance 10 the non-technical resi-
dent who desires some method nv
which he can without unreasonable ef.
tort or trouble measure a stream in
which he is interested or make a rough
estimate of the quantity of its flow.
A brief summary of the differen,
surveys made in North Dakota by the
united States geological survey or re-
clamation service with irrigation in
view is included; and some other ton.
les OF interest appear.
In an appendix the articles of in.
corporation of the Lower Yellowstone
Water Users association are printed
The organization of associations some.
What similar to this has been insisted
on by the reclamation service as pre-.
requisite to the beginning of construc-
ton work on any extensive project in
regions where the land is already
largely in private ownership. This, as
we all know, is the case in most sec.
tons of North Dakota.
A topic forming considerable par,
OF many other reports of state engi-
neers is lacking here, namely, lengthy
LISTS nf f,1air,c tn u,of o,, ~ :,
approved and permits granted for
North Dakota has no law yet to facili-
tate the definite establishment of. wa
ter rights. But if thus early in the ir.
rigation development of the state
there shall be enacted effective legis-
lation for that purpose, it may be as
sumed that the numberless claims that
will soon be ready for filing can be
approved and recorded satisfactorily
and an escape thus afforded from the
endless litigation in which the early
lack of effective irrigation laws in
some Of the Western states has re-
suited.
1t has been assumed by many tina,
any consideration of irrigation i'm
piled the region desert, and there.
fore should be rejected with scorn
But it is fact that even in humid
climate, where the natural rainfall will
always produce crop large or small
that irrigation is sometimes very prof.
liable. not merely because of the more
certain returns thereby assured, but
on account of the larger or more val.
liable crops that it may assist in Sc.
curing. The recognition of this fact is
spreading over the country and irriga.
ton becoming popular accordingly.
For this reason irrigation is one of the
questions of the day in North Dakota,
and the report mentioned is one of the
early attempts to contribute to our
stock of definite local information on
tbs subject.
Copies can be obtained on request to
the state engineer, E.. f. Chandler,
either at Bismarck or at University
postoffice.
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