the construction of a diversion dam across the Yellowstone River and a main canal 67 miles long, with a suitable lateral and distribution system. (See Pl. XXI.) Preliminary investigations of this project were made during the field season of 1904. The results of these investigations and a general description of the project are described under the heading "Fort Buford project" in the Third Annual Report of the Reclamation Service, second edition, pages 432-439. The construction work on this project is proceeding rapidly and satisfactorily. Buildings to serve for headquarters have been erected at La Mesa and at the headworks site. The engineering work has been carried forward to keep pace with the requirements and the organization of the Water Users' Association perfected. The irrigable lands have been mapped on a scale of 1,000 feet to an inch, with 5-foot contour intervals, and have been classified by the engineer of soils preparatory to the subdivision into farm units. MAIN CANAL AND LATERALS. During the winter of 1904-5 contract plans for the first 34 miles of main canal were worked up, including the headworks, spillways, sluiceways, conduits, and other structures. (See Pls. XXII-XXV.) These plans were passed upon and approved in March, 1905, by a board of consulting engineers, consisting of Messrs. J. H. Quinton, A. J. Wiley, and H. N. Savage. The work was advertised on April 3, and bids were opened at Glendive, Mont., June 1. Contracts have been awarded as follows: Schedule A, division 1 (about 7 miles of canal), to The Widell-Finley Company, of Mankato, Minn; schedule A, divisions 2, 3, and 4 (about 26 miles of canal), to Callahan Bros. and Phelan & Shirley, of Omaha, Nebr.; schedule B, divisions 1, 2, and 3, to Charles Stabern, of Helena, Mont.; and schedule B, division 4, to the Deadwood Construction Company, of Deadwood, S. Dak. These contracts have been executed as follows: The Widell-Finley Company, on August 16, 1905; Callahan Bros. and Phelan & Shirley, on August 17, 1905; Charles Stabern, on August 5, 1905; and Deadwood Construction Company, on August 1, 1905. In each case contract was executed with the lowest bidder. |