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LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY,
DIVISION OF HYDROGRAPHY,
Washington, September 20, 1900.

SIR:

I have the honor to transmit herewith a manuscript prepared by Prof. Thomas U. Taylor, of the University of Texas, upon the Austin dam, for publication in the series of papers upon water supply and irrigation. This relates to a project which in many ways is of great interest to engineers, investors, and citizens having to do with water-power and irrigation projects. There are many useful lessons to be drawn from the history of such an enterprise, for it often happens that failure is more instructive than success. Throughout the United States many communities are now discussing the utilization of water power for irrigation or other industrial purposes, and they may be saved from mistakes or be led to adopt precautionary measures by a clear understanding of the causes of the disasters which have occurred from the neglect of certain precautions.

In this paper the author describes the preliminary projects, the construction of the dam, the difficulties encountered, the silting up of the storage reservoir, and, finally, the failure of the structure and the probable causes which led to the catastrophe. The attempt is made to present these facts from the engineering standpoint and without unduly reflecting upon the motives or characteristics of the individuals concerned. The object is simply to state the facts as they are understood, so that they may be available to persons who are interested in projects of this character.

The necessity of water conservation is so great and public appreciation of the matter has reached such a point that the construction of large dams will undoubtedly be entered upon in various parts of the country, notably in the arid region of the West. There are many places where such structures will without doubt be successful, and there are other cases where the situation must be studied with extreme care and where great caution must be exercised in the preparation of plans and in the selection of locations. The attitude most to be feared is that sometimes adopted by a community where, after discussing the benefits of water conservation, the public as a whole becomes convinced of its importance, and in a condition of excitement