50 Kansas Academy of science. 



priation for this purpose? He might say, if coal was found in his vicinity in great 

 abundance, it would reduce the price. If the rainfall could be regulated, so they could 

 get it when needed; if frost would only come in winter; if grasshoppers could be kept 

 away ; if all the various insects that prove so destructive to fruit and grain could be ren- 

 dered harmless, a geological survey would be a good thing. We all agree to this, and 

 believe a great deal may be accomplished in benefiting the public that they do not know 

 of now, and much more to the development of the State. 



A bill was introduced during the last meeting of the Legislature, asking for a small 

 appropriation for a geological survey. A large number of the members thought it a 

 good thing, but the railroad bill should pass first. Others said it cost too much — can't 

 afford it. Others asked, What is the use of a geological survey? Another answered 

 the question by saying, A geological survey is to pay expenses of someone for collecting 

 old bones and minerals that are found scattered over the prairies. These are some of 

 the objections, to a geological survey, showing that the purpose and object is not gener- 

 ally known. Some think it is merely a topographical survey, that refers to the surface 

 entirely and has little or nothing to do with anything that is found below the surface. 

 From the various opinions that people have in regard to it, we believe that a great many 

 do not understand what a geological survey is, or the benefits derived from it. If prop- 

 erly understood, we believe there would be no difficulty in securing an appropriation for 

 the work. 



We shall endeavor briefly to state what a geological survey is, and some of the advantages 

 of it. It comprises the study of everything below the surface, where the most valuable part 

 of the earth may be found — boring and digging into the crust of the earth to any depth 

 that may be necessary to develop everything that may be of value. Should coal be 

 found, all information in regard to the area, depth, thickness of vein, character and value 

 for heating purposes, and probable cost of mining the same, would be fully noted. Lo- 

 cation of lead and other minerals, the districts in which they may be found, their depth, 

 and all other information that may prove of value. Clays of various kinds for the 

 manufacturing of pottery, tiling, brick, etc. Chalk, limestone, sandstone, gypsum and 

 other materials used for building purposes. Zinc, bismuth, arsenic, strontia and other 

 materials used in the arts; the cost of mining the same, and their commercial value. 

 Also, the botany of the State, showing the distribution of the timber and vegetable 

 growth indigenous to the State. Water power on all the rivers and streams, and the 

 fall from various points, with such information as will enable every one to understand 

 their availability as water power for manufacturing purposes. An analysis of all the 

 mineral waters, gas wells, their extent and value, the practicability of using the gas for 

 fuel and lighting purposes. An examination of the character of the soil from all the 

 counties in the State, with an analysis of the same, indicating the soil suitable for the 

 growth of various agricultural productions, in such a way as to be of practical benefit to 

 the farmer. Rainfall and temperature should be accurately obtained. Considerable at- 

 tention would be given to the eradication and means of the destruction of insects that 

 are injurious to fruit and fruit trees, and prey on the products of the soil ; these and 

 many other things will be developed that will prove a benefit to our people, and of im- 

 mense value to the State. County maps should be made, giving a full history of the 

 resources of the county, describing accurately the depth, location and character of all 

 coal deposits, clays, building stones, soils, water power, and all information that would be 

 of value to the counties, and cost of utilizing the same. Publishing maps for the 

 counties, supplying the people with the reports of the survey, and disseminating infor- 

 mation during the progress of the work. All these come within the range of a geolo- 

 gical survey, and properly belong to it. 



To do this work, an expenditure of money will be necessary; less than $100,000 dur- 



