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3. That the facts thus obtained, and further supplemented, 

 when necessary, by local investigations, be used as the basis of 

 a series of either annual or biennial reports on the Geology of 

 Illinois, with special reference to the underground topography 

 of the different coal beds, water bearing-, and other strata, 

 showing their distribution and depth below the surface in. the 

 various parts of the State. 



It is pretty well settled that our coal beds were not laid down 

 in broad sheets of even thickness over large areas, but were 

 formed on the low lands of the then surface, while the higher 

 portions were left bare. The investigation, above suggested, 

 would go far to indicate the position and extent of these bar- 

 ren grounds. It would also give the best guidance in deter- 

 mining where artesian water, oil, gas, etc., may be expected 

 or. at least, where they cannot reasonably be expected. 



In connection with these investigations particular attention 

 should be given to the quaternary deposits in the State. Much 

 interest is being manifested in the glacial geology of the United 

 States: our State ought to cooperate with her sisters by making 

 a thorough study of her moraines and other glacial deposits. 

 The subject is large and has hitherto received little attention. 

 Indeed, our present knowledge of these deposits in Illinois is 

 merely rudimentary. We know but little even about the distri- 

 bution of drift clays, marls, sands, gravels, and other elements of 

 the "drift." That treasures of incalculable value to our com- 

 merce and industries lie hidden therein, within easy reach, can- 

 not be doubted. 



Within the last few years many new facts have been brought 

 to light in connection with the dynamics of the lead region. 

 Wisconsin has made a very thorough survey of so much of this 

 region as lies within her borders, and our State should supple- 



