sulphide, which gives the offensive odor to many wells in which water is allowed to stand, especially if it is confined in shale. When large quantities of water are used, so that the supply is constantly being changed, there is not much opportunity for such chemical decomposition.

There is little doubt that the proper construction of the wells and the removal of large quantities of water will greatly improve the quality of the supply. The containing shales and clays will doubtless be slowly relieved, by this process of washing, of much of their impurities. More care should certainly be given to the sanitary conditions of drinking water in this region. Few subjects need more attention or are more worthy of thought than this one of domestic water supply. Upon it to a great extent depends the health, comfort and prosperity of the whole community.

LAWS GOVERNING COAL LAND ENTRIES

While engaged in field work during the past summer, questions were so often asked in regard to coal land entries that it has seemed wise to reproduce those portions of the United States statutes touching these points, which give the essential conditions. under which such entries can be made:

COAL LAND LAW

SECTION 2347. Every person above the age of twenty-one years, who is a citizen of the United States, or who has declared his intention to become such or any association of persons severally qualified as above, shall, upon application to the register of the proper land office, have the right to enter by legal subdivision any quantity of vacant coal lands of the United States not otherwise appropriated or reserved by competent authority, not exceeding one hundred and sixty acres to such individual persons or three hundred and twenty acres to such association, upon payment to the receiver of not less than ten dollars per acre for such lands, where the same shall be situated more than fifteen miles from any complete railroad, and not less than twenty dollars per acre for such lands as shall be within fifteen miles' of such road.

SEC. 2348. Any person or association of persons severally qualified, as above provided, who have opened and improved, or shall hereafter open and improve any coal mine or mines upon public lands, and shall be in actual possession of the same, shall be entitled to a preference right of entry, under the preceding section, of the mine so opened and improved; provided, that when any association of not less than four persons, severally qualified as above provided, shall have expended not less than five thousand dollars in working and improving any such mine or mines, such association may enter not exceeding six hundred and forty acres, including such mining improvements. *

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SEC. 2350. The three preceding sections shall be held to authorize only one entry by the same person or association of persons; and no association of persons any member of which shall have taken the benefit of such section, either as an individual or as a member of any other association, shall enter or hold any other lands under the provision thereof; and no member of any other association which shall have taken the benefit of such sections shall enter or hold any other lands under their provision; and all persons claiming under section twenty-three hundred and forty-eight shall be required to prove their respective rights and pay for the land filed upon within one year from the time prescribed for filing their respective claims; and upon failure to file the proper notice, or to pay for the land within the required period, the same shall be subject to entry by any other qualified applicant.