THE TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY OF MICHIGAN. 165 



bj the Board of Geological Survey for the securing of a suitable map 

 for the use of our State geologists. 



Thus far, however, no direct appropriation has been made by the Legis- 

 lature of Michigan for co-operation with the United States Geological 

 Survey, for the purpose of carrying on topograjjhic work within the 

 State. It is on this direct recognition and assistance by the Legislature 

 that the continuation of the surveys referred to depends. 



The estimated cost of making the topographic nmp of Michigan on the 

 scale and with the degree of excellence that characterizes the portion 

 already completed, is |S.OO per square mile; making the total expense for 

 field and office work about |4.'i0,000.00, and the total cost to the State 

 1225,000.00. While the total expense for a complete map of the State 

 may seem large, it is to be remembered that the work will of necessity 

 be distributed over a period of many years, thus making the yearly ex- 

 penditure moderate. The immediate demand for a topographic survey 

 is not the same for all sections of the State, but is great in certain por- 

 tions and small in others. In view of this difference in demands, the 

 wisest plan seems to be to have surveys made first where the necessities 

 are most pressing, as for example, where a knowledge of the topographic 

 conditions is important in reference to municipal improvements, drain- 

 age, education, etc., in the mining centers like the coal field of the south- 

 ern peninsula, and the copper regions of the northern peninsula, and 

 where forestry is the leading industry. As the benefits to be derived from 

 a topographic survey of such portions of the State as have just been indi- 

 cated is demonstrated, the continuation of the survey to completion will, 

 as there seems but little doubt, be easily secured. 



In a bill providing for the continuation of the Geological Survey of 

 Michigan, introduced to the present I^egislature, an item is included, 

 appropriating |1,000 per year for two years, to enable that survey to 

 continue to co-operate with the United States Geological Survey, in the 

 preparation of a topographic map of the State. This measure I am sure 

 will receive the hearty approval of the Michigan Academy of Science. 

 Our society contains many, if not a majority, of the men of scientific 

 training in Michigan, and as we may justly claim without egotism, should 

 be looked to by our fellow-citizens for advice and counsel in all matters 

 in which scientific expert knowledge is demanded in public aff'airs. Any 

 recommendation which the Michigan Academy of Science may see fit to 

 make to the State Legislature, in reference to continuing the topographic 

 survey of Michigan, I am confident would be gratefully received by that 

 body, and would exert an important influence in determining its action 

 in reference thereto. 



