CONSERVATIONT OF THE SoiL IN DEARBORN CoUNTY. 



A. J. BiGNEY. 



Since Theodore Roosevelt called the Governors of the several Stales 

 together to consider the preservation of our forests and other natural 

 resources, the word "conservation" has had a new meaning, not a differ 

 ont meaning, but an intensified meaning. A general awakening is occur- 

 ring along many lines that were very remote from that considered by the 

 council of the Governors. The recent congress in our own State called by 

 Governor Marshall exhibited the range of the use of the term. 



Since boyhood I have been observing the wasting of the land in my 

 native county, Dearborn. The developing of the interest in these lines has 

 stimulated me to more serious thought and has kindled a desire to be of 

 some service in helping in the conservation of the soil in my own county. 

 1 believe that every member of the Academy should make himself felt in 

 his own locality at least. The ear of the average citizen is open to the 

 scientific man as never before, for his work is seen on every hand. 



Dearborn County is drained by the tributaries of the Ohio River. On 

 the south the Laughery Creek forms the boundary and drains that part. 

 It empties into the Ohio River two and one-halt miles south of Aurora. 

 About six miles to tlie north and running nearly parallel with Laugliery 

 Creek is South llogan, wliicli empties into the Ohio at Aurora. The B. 

 & O. S. W. follows it to Aurora. Between these creeks is a ridge of good 

 farming land. Flowing from this ridge toward either stream are numer- 

 ous branches. About eight miles further north, measuring on the west 

 side of the county, is North Hogan, wliich joins South Hogau at Aurora. 

 About the same distance to the north is Tanner's Creek. The Big Four 

 follows it much of the way to Lawrenceburg. The northeastern part of 

 the county is drained by the Great Miami River, the main Indiana branch 

 being the Whitewater. Witli so many streams of various sizes it is plain 

 to see the county is very hilly, no part of the county has much level land. 



Twenty-five years ago most of the hilly land was heavily timbered. 

 Since then, however, tlie greater part has been removed and the land put 

 under cultivation. 



