GEOLOGICAL PAPERS. 183 



From these considerations, I am convinced that vast quantities of 

 the precious metal are to be found in the Kansas shales. The ques- 

 tions remaining to be solved are : First, how can they be commer- 

 cially extracted ? Second, what is the extent of the deposit and the 

 uniformity of the distribution ? Third, if gold can be mined along 

 the Smoky river, in Ellis and Trego counties, is it likely to be found 

 in sedimentary deposits in other places ? 



In the earlier search for metals in this region, zinc was the one 

 principally sought. No one who seeks intelligently fails to find zinc 

 in the shales. I have tested many specimens which have fifteen per 

 cent., and others which gave but a trace. All my tests show the pres- 

 ence of zinc in some quantity, but the amount is variable. 



In October, 1899, M. J. Rattle, of Cleveland, Ohio, reported a value 

 of 31.61 per cent, of zinc obtained from the shale, and, in the letter 

 accompanying the report, expresses the greatest certainty, as well as 

 surprise, at the result. Mr. B. F. Johnson and others, by roasting 

 the shale and driving off and condensing the vapors, obtained a pound 

 or more of fairly pure zinc oxide. 



I have of late given but little attention to the zinc constituents of 

 the shale, but, if treated for gold or silver, zinc may become a valua- 

 ble by-product. There is also no doubt that mineral paint of the best 

 quality can be made from the tailings, after the metal values have 

 been extracted by the electrolytic processes. 



As we stated at the outset, all elements found in sea- water might 

 be expected as possible constituents of the shales. We know how 

 some of the rarer elements have been discovered in residues from the 

 salt manufactures, and in the shales we have the residues of the ages. 

 As a purel)^ scientific problem, I know of none more interesting than 

 to find out what the shales are made of. 



As we traverse these plains of western Kansas, where the shales 

 are so impregnated with petroleum and bituminous products, the pos- 

 sibility of underlying deposits of oil, gas and coal must occur to us. 

 That can only be determined by boring deep holes, and this will be 

 done before many years. It is possible that some of our geological 

 theories will have to be revised if these things are true, but that need 

 not harm us, and geology is far from being an exact science. It is 

 well to maintain a proper conservatism and have due caution not to 

 be imposed upon by fakirs and sharps ; but there are instances in 

 history of carrying doubts and skepticism too far, and I appeal to the 

 fairness of the members of the Kanssa Academy to say if this ques- 

 tion of gold in Kansas shales does not demand most careful investi- 

 gation. 



