158 MICHIGAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 



into account. The high aim entertained in this connection by both stud- 

 ents of agriculture and scientific agriculturists, however, can never be 

 attained without the assistance of accurate topographic maps in planning 

 investigations and exhibiting results. 



The ice sheets which once completely covered Michigan, on retreating 

 left an irregular surface. In places the ground is high, well drained and 

 admirably adapted to various kinds of farming. Large areas, however, 

 as in Saginaw valley, and many other sections of the State, are low and 

 swampy. The drainage of these areas is in progress, but the task has 

 scarcely more than been begun. One of the great benefits of a topographic 

 map would be to show how these now useless areas may be reclaimed and 

 converted into agricultural land, as has been done in the case of some of 

 our celery and truck farms, or the marl and ])eat they contain utilized 

 for making Portland cement, and for fuel. 



Our rural communities are interested in and will, Avithout doubt, reaiJ 

 priceless advantages from improved roads, free mail delivery, segregation 

 of schools, etc. In all of these directions, an accurate knowledge of the 

 geography of the State is necessary for those who control legislation, 

 and devise far-reaching plans for lessening the burdens of isolated com- 

 munities. 



To Statesmen : The business affairs of the State of Michigan are in- 

 trusted to a governor, legislators and other oflicers. The duties imposed 

 upon these representatives of the people necessitate an extensive knowl- 

 edge of the geography of the State, in order that they may intelligently 

 carry out the laws alreadj^ enacted, and judge wisely as to the merits of 

 the countless and exceedingly diverse measures of public concern which 

 arise. At each session of the legislature numerous franchises, charters, 

 etc., are asked for, pertaining to the building of railroads, trolley lines, 

 telegraph and telephone lines, municipal imnrovements, enlargement of 

 cities, incorporation of towns, location of factories, etc., each of which de- 

 mands a critical and frequently extensive knowledge of geographic con- 

 ditions in order that the full import of the proposed enterprises may be 

 understood and the vested rights of parties not directly participating 

 therein, properly guarded. 



In several memorials that have been published, relating to the topo- 

 graphic survey of Massachusetts, Kew York, and other states, much stress 

 is placed on the value of topographic maps in relation to taxation and 

 the sale of land. These needs are not so urgent in INIichigan as in several 

 of the older states, for the reason that in this State surveys for the par- 

 celing and sale of land have already been made. The maps resulting 

 from these surveys, however, are of but little value in showing the char- 

 acter of the laud, and hence are inadequate as a basis for equalizing 

 assessments. 



The usefulness of topographic maps to legislators, is also apparent 

 from the facts already mentioned in reference to special surveys that 

 are being carried on at State expense, in order that they may judge in- 

 telligently as to the needs of such undertakings and of the efficiency with 

 which they are conducted. 



Such a survey as is under consideration, furnishes the best of base 

 maps for the graphic representation of facts relating to distribution of 

 population, industries, products or other statistical information, for 

 which there is a constant demand by statesmen, newspaper editors, and, 

 in fact, by all the more enlightened citizens of a republic. 



