388 Geology of Artesian Basin in South Dakota. 



revolutionize artesian well boring. The practical results of ail 

 experiments have been perfectly satisfactory. The water does 

 not injure either soil or vegetation. It is used constantly on the 

 lawns about scores of residences, in Huron, Aberdeen, Redfield 

 and Mitchell. It can be applied directly to the crops whenever 

 needed. But ordinary agriculture in Dakota requires simply an 

 overflow of the land in the spring or fall, and with a saturated 

 sub-soil, and the air moistened by a multitude of artificial lakes, 

 the wide fields of South Dakota will wave with wonderful har- 

 vests year after year. 



The Melville law just in force authorizing the bonding of 

 townships for the purpose of putting down artesian wells is being 

 received with great favor, and will furnish the funds to start the 

 streams of a lasting prosperity in this vigorous young common- 

 wealth 



April 7, 1891. 



SOURCES OF THE CONSTITUENTS OF MINNESOTA SOILS. 

 Bv C. W. Hall. 



CONTENTS. 



The formation of soils sSo 



The process of rock alteration 38Q 



The layers of soil sections 390 



The work of the sea in forming soils 392 



The part of plants in soil formation 393 



The effect of moisture in soils 393 



The chemical elements in soils 393 



The essential food elements of plants 394 



The chemical composition of soils 394 



Soils classified .395 



The rocks that form Minnesota soils 396 



The granitic rocks 397 



Basic eruptive rocks 39'5 



Sandstones and quartzites 399 



The soil qualities of sandstones and quartzites 4'50 



The calcareous and siliceous shales 401 



The carbonates 40-^ 



Application and summary 405 



The soil is the superficial portion of the unconsolidated sur- 

 face material of the globe; it is the line of contact between the 

 solid portion — the rocks — of the earth's crust and the liquid or 



