REPORT
ON THE
LANDS OF THE ARID REGION
OF THE
UNITED STATES,

WITH A
MORE DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE LANDS OF UTAH.

WITH MAPS.

BY
J. W. POWELL.

SECOND EDITION.

WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1879.

Congress of the United States (3d Session),
In the House of Representatives,
March 3, 1879.

The following resolution, originating in the House of Representatives, has this day been concurred in by the Senate:

Resolved, by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That there be printed five thousand copies of the Report on the Lands of the Arid Region of the United States, by J. W. Powell; one thousand for the use of the Senate, two thousand for the use of the House of Representatives, and two thousand for the use of the Department of the Interior.

Attest:

GEO. M. ADAMS, Clerk.

J. W. POWELL’S REPORT ON SURVEY OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION.

LETTER
FROM
THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR,
TRANSMITTING

Report of J. W. Powell, geologist in charge of the United States Geographical and Geological Survey of the Rocky Mountain Region, upon the lands of the Arid Region of the United States.

April 3, 1878.—Referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed.

Department of the Interior,
Washington, D. C., April 3, 1878.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report from Maj. J. W. Powell, geologist in charge of the United States Geographical and Geological Survey of the Rocky Mountain Region, upon the lands of the Arid Region of the United States, setting forth the extent of said region, and making suggestions as to the conditions under which the lands embraced within its limit may be rendered available for agricultural and grazing purposes. With the report is transmitted a statement of the rainfall of the western portion of the United States, with reports upon the subject of irrigation by Capt. C. E. Dutton, U. S. A., Prof. A. H. Thompson, and Mr. G. K. Gilbert.

Herewith are also transmitted draughts of two bills, one entitled “A bill to authorize the organization of pasturage districts by homestead settlements on the public lands which are of value for pasturage purposes only”, and the other “A bill to authorize the organization of irrigation districts by homestead settlements upon the public lands requiring irrigation for agricultural purposes”, intended to carry into effect a new system for the disposal of the public lands of said region, and to promote the settlement and development of that portion of the country.

In view of the importance of rendering the vast extent of country referred to available for agricultural and grazing purposes, I have the honor to commend the views set forth by Major Powell and the bills submitted herewith to the consideration of Congress.

Very respectfully,
C. SCHURZ,
Secretary.
Hon. Samuel J. Randall,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Department of the Interior, General Land Office,
Washington, D. C., April 1, 1878.

Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith a report from Maj. J. W. Powell, in charge of the Geographical and Geological Survey of the Rocky Mountains, in regard to the Arid Region of the United States, and draughts of two bills, one entitled “A bill to authorize the organization of pasturage districts by homestead settlements on the public lands which are of value for pasturage purposes only”, and the other “A bill to authorize the organization of irrigation districts by homestead settlements upon the public lands requiring irrigation for agricultural purposes”.

Major Powell reviews at length the features of, and furnishes statistics relative to, the Arid Region of the United States, which is substantially the territory west of the one hundredth meridian and east of the Cascade Range, and the bills named are intended, if passed, to carry into effect the views expressed in his report for the settlement and development of this region.

He has, in the performance of his duties in conducting the geological and geographical survey, been over much of the country referred to, and is qualified by observation, research, and study to speak of the topography, characteristics, and adaptability of the same.

I have not been able, on account of more urgent official duties, to give Major Powell’s report and proposed bills the careful investigation necessary, in view of their great importance, to enable me to express a decided opinion as to their merits. Some change is necessary in the survey and disposal of the lands, and I think his views are entitled to great weight, and would respectfully recommend that such action be taken as will bring his report and bills before Congress for consideration by that body.

Very respectfully,
J. A. WILLIAMSON,
Commissioner.
Hon. C. Schurz,
Secretary of the Interior.

Department of the Interior,
U. S. Geographical and Geological Survey of the Rocky Mountain Region,
Washington, D. C., April 1, 1878.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report on the lands of the Arid Region of the United States. After setting forth the general facts relating to the conditions under which these lands must be utilized, I have taken the liberty to suggest a system for their disposal which I believe would be adapted to the wants of the country.

I wish to express my sincere thanks for the assistance you have given me in the collection of many of the facts necessary to the discussion, and especially for the aid you have rendered in the preparation of the maps.

Permit me to express the hope that the great interest you take in the public domain will be rewarded by the consciousness that you have assisted many citizens in the establishment of farm homes thereon.

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
J. W. POWELL,
In charge U. S. G. and G. Survey Rocky Mountain Region.
Hon. J. A. Williamson,
Commissioner General Land Office, Washington, D. C.