Irrigation: Development & California

Sacramento, CA: State Office, James J. Ayers, 1886. First Editions. 2 volume set. 662, 672pp. Octavos [23 cm] Brown cloth with the titles gilt stamped on the front board and backstrip. Both volumes about very good. Crown of volume 1 is bumped with a short tear to the head of the front joint. Complete with four fold-out maps at the rear part 2.

Part 1 - Irrigation Development: History, Customs, Laws, and Administrative Systems Relating to Irrigation, Water-Courses, and Waters in France, Italy, and Spain.
Part 2 - Irrigation in California [Southern]: The Field, Water-Supply, and Works, Organization and Operation in San Diego, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles Counties. William H. Hall (1846-1934) was California's State Engineer when he authored these volumes. The first part concerns irrigation legislation in France, Italy, and Spain. The second part concerns the Southern California counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego. This is the earliest overall survey of California's hydrological system. With water in the west, there is always controversy, and this work was not immune, especially his recommendation for more government control over the development of the state's water resources. The legislature became his enemy, and in 1888 refused to provide funding for a planned third volume in this series, that was intended to cover the San Joaquin Valley. He resigned, his office was abolished, and the bulk of his data lay unpublished for decades. Zamorano Select 38.