PROCEEDINGS OF THE OHIO ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 303 



further result of the present industrial condition in Europe is 

 the hope that Americans may produce their own supply of potash 

 salts and other ingredients in the manufacture of fertilizers ; the 

 federal survey is investigating the possibility of securing at least 

 some of these supplies from our own minerals. 



Bureau of Mines. The response of the government to the 

 increasing need of assistance in developing and conserving our 

 mineral resources is seen in the organization in 1911 of the Bu- 

 reau of Mines. Previously this work was one of the lines of 

 activity of the Geological Survey. In addition to investigating 

 problems connected with the reduction of minerals and with non- 

 wasteful methods of mining, this Bureau has attracted much 

 attention through its efforts to avoid, and meliorate the dis- 

 astrous effects of, mine accidents. Such work is conservation in 

 the highest sense ; it is much more excusable to waste minerals 

 than men. 



Alaska. In Alaska there is a larger percentage of govern- 

 ment lands than in any other of the territories or states. In 

 handling these lands the government can apply, usually without 

 restraint, the most recent findings of its experts. Probably for 

 this reason, the Geological Survey has given special attention 

 since 1896 to the mineral resources of Alaska, increasing the 

 annual amount allowed for this study from $5,000 to $100,000. 

 This field, therefore, offers the survey its freest opportunity for 

 testing its best judgment on the development of mineral wealth. 

 Complete harmony of o])inion does not prevail in reference to 

 the management of Alaska's mineral resources. The activity 

 of private corporations in Alaska as well as the advice of ex- 

 perts acting for the government have led to contentions and 

 much unpleasantness. Another generation will estimate more 

 fairly these matters of dispute. 



Work ill Paleontology. This fundamental side of geology, 

 oldest in popular interest, if not also in the development of the 

 science, has made remarkable progress during the last twenty- 

 five years. A measure of this progress is seen in the organiza- 

 tion of the Paleontological Society in the year 1909, which works 



