160 MICHIGAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 



( hief tool with which the geographer carries on his researches, and affords 

 the. best means of presenting- his results. 



The begiiwier in geography should study a restricted region with the 

 aid of a good map, and also study the map with the aid of an accurate 

 knowledge of. the area it represents. In this way, as in no other, is the 

 eye and the mind trained to interpret natures picture-writings, and at 

 the same time acquire skill in reading the draftsman's representations of 

 them. While the interpretation of nature is the chief aim in such field 

 studies, an essential means to that end is the ability to read topographic 

 maps. In this connection, it is not requiring too much when teachers are 

 asked to instruct their pupils in the art of reading topographic maps as 

 well as the printed page. This can be done to the greatest advantage 

 by means of local or home maps. 



One of the most important principles in the teaching of the new geog- 

 raphy, is that geographical studies should begin at home, and widen in 

 constantly enlarging circles until, as an ultimate aim, the meaning of the 

 surface features of the entire earth is grasped. As has been said by one 

 of our leading teachers of geograpln^ : Inattention to home surroundings 

 during school years may be followed by geographic blindness throughout 

 life. 



The tens of thousands of boys and girls in the schools of Michigan 

 cannot make a proper beginning in geography until a topographic map 

 of the land surface with which they are individually familiar, is available 

 for their use. The study of a topographic map of the region about every 

 school should be required of each of its inmates. In each schoolhouse, 

 accurate topographic maps of the town, count}' and state in which it is 

 situated, should have precedence over all other maps. These important 

 aids to education can be had in Michigan at an expense of a very few 

 cents, when once a topogi-aphic map of the vState, such as has just been 

 begun, is available. 



While the important economic uses of topograi)hic maps make but little 

 appeal to me personally, except in a general way, as a citizen of a great 

 and prosperous State, the educational value of such maps does come home 

 to me with perhaps undue force. With an accurate map of Michigan 

 available, my task of imparting to my classes in the University a knowl- 

 edge of the broader principles of geology and geography, would be greatly 

 lessened. In urging an early completion of the topographic map of this 

 State, I am confident I have the hearty support of every teacher in it. 



Much nnght be said in reference to the multiple advantages to be reaped 

 from such a survey and map as is here advocated, did s])ace permit, but 

 other aspects of the work demand attention. Before turning to another 

 phase of this discussion, however, I wish to direct attention to one other 

 fact, — although such a course seems unnecessary, so plain is the con- 

 clusion referred to, but it is this: once a topographic map of Michigan 

 • is made, it will descend as a rich legacy to all future generations of 

 engineers, geologists, farmers, manufacturers, teachers, students, legisla- 

 tors, etc., of our growing State, and its influence for good on intellectual, 

 industrial and commercial development be far-reaching and cumulative. 



