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OUTLOOK FOR YOUNG MEN IN GEOLOGY 



H. Foster Bain. 



Probably our academy can do no one thing more useful than 

 to encourage the young men and women of talent who are look- 

 ing forward to a career in science. By this is not meant a de- 

 liberate effort to divert men and women from other work to 

 ours, but rather the holding out of a helping hjand to those whose 

 inclinations are toward a scientific career, but who hesitate for 

 fear that there is either no work or no place for them. 



It is well known that men of science receive relatively poor 

 financial returns for their work. Capable and industrious work- 

 ers make a good living, but rarely are able to accumulate wealth. 

 This is true of geologists as of others, and I for one am by no 

 means sure that a change in this regard would bring to our 

 profession any larger number of men of the highest talent and 

 devotion. Be that as it may, the best which can be now offered 

 to the hesitating young man is a good living while he does his 

 work. The opportunities for making his way are found in three 

 lines of activity: (a) teaching, {b) survey work and (c) indus- 

 trial positions. 



Geology is seldom taught in high schools and secondary schools, 

 though there is a strong and increasing demand for teachers in 

 physiography. This affords an excellent opening for beginners. 

 In the colleges, universities and mining schools, geology is taught 

 as frequently as the other sciences, and there are, accordingly, 

 as many positions open. 



