RANSOME: NATIONAL, GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 109 



or worse and it will become chiefly a statistical and engineering 

 bureau from which leadership in geology will have departed. 



If, on the other hand, a young geologist can feel that every 

 possible opportunity and encouragement will be given to him 

 in advancing the science of geology; that results on the whole 

 will be considered more important than adherence to a schedule; 

 that imagination and originality will be more highly valued than 

 routine efficiency or mere executive capacity; that he will not 

 be diverted to tasks for which, important as they may be, his 

 training and inclination do not particularly fit him; that those 

 directing the organization are interested in his development 

 and will give him all possible opportunity to demonstrate his 

 power of growth; and that appreciation and material reward 

 will be in proportion to his scientific achievement; he will then 

 be capable of the best that is in him and will cheerfully contribute 

 that best to the credit of the organization that he serves. 



A national geological survey should hold recognized leadership 

 in geology in the country to which it belongs and attainment of 

 this proud position must obviously depend upon the quality of 

 its geological personnel. With respect to personnel, at least three 

 conditions may be recognized — first, that in which the ablest 

 geologists in the country are drawn to, and remain in, service; 

 second, that in which geologists perhaps of a somewhat lower 

 grade as regards scientific promise are attracted to the service 

 for a few years of training and then pass out to positions where 

 the opportunities for research or for increased earnings are greater ; 

 and third, that in which able young men no longer look upon 

 the geological survey as a desirable stepping-stone to a future 

 career. Who can doubt that it is the first condition that raises 

 an organization to pre-eminence in science and the last that 

 marks opportunities lost or unattained? Those responsible for 

 the success of a geological survey, if they be wise, will watch the 

 trend of the organization with reference to these conditions 

 much as the mariner watches his barometer and, like him, if 

 the indication be threatening, take action to forestall disaster. 



