APPENDIX 2. 



THE NORTHERN TRANSCONTINENTAL SURVEY.' 



The Northern Transcontinental Survey was originated bj' Henry 

 Villard when he accepted the control of the great system of rail 

 roads on which Oregon. Washington Territory, Montana, Dakota, 

 and, to a great extent, Minnesota were dependent for their growth. 

 Tnmk lines on still undetermined routes were to be built, the sys- 

 tem extended, and tributary lines to be constructed. This large 

 part of the United States, from winch the system was to derive its 

 life, was to ;i very gi'eat extent an unknown land as regards its ca- 

 pacity" for production. 



The object of the Northern Transcontinental Survey was to ascer- 

 tain broadly the mineral, agricultural, and forest resources of this 

 vast region. The personnel of the survey was selected for this pur- 

 pose and the following divisions were established : 



Mineral resources: George H. Eldridge, Bailey Willis, Bayard T. 

 Putnam, geologists in charge. 



Climate, rivers, and irrigation: E. S. Holden, in charge. 



Agricultural: E. W. Hilgard, in charge. 



Forests : C. S. Sargent, in charge. 



Forage plants : W. M. Canby, in charge. 



Laboratory: F. A. Gooch, in charge. 



Topography : A. D. Wilson, in charge. 



The division of mineral resources traced out the rock formations 

 and studied the mineral resources, especially in coal and iron ores, 

 and also paid attention to subterranean water supply and the question 

 of artesian wells. It had charge of the work of finding and testing 

 coal for the use of the roads, and was equipped with a diamond drill 

 for testing in depth. 



The division of climate, rivers, and irrigation was established to 

 study climate; that is, of the great valleys and of the climatic zones 

 of elevation. Tt estnblished stations at points representing the local 

 climates, at which there were observed temperature and rainfall and 

 certain other important facts. This division also had charge of the 

 work of gauging the streams and determining the relation between 

 the prospective demand and supply of water for irrigation in the 

 different valleys. 



» From manuscript by Raphael Pumpelly, Director. 



539 



