Outline for Preliminary Report on Mineral Claims 91 



2. If necessary you should make a topographic map of the claim. 

 If a map is not feasible describe carefully the general character 

 of the surface or the broad topographic features giving 

 the approximate lowest and highest elevations ; where repre- 

 sented on the property, and the elevations of mine or prospect 

 entries. 



3. Give special attention to drainage and water supply, noting 

 particularly whether there is sufficient water on the claim or 

 in the immediate vicinity for mining purposes. 



4. Describe the detailed configuration of the surface, the charac- 

 ter of the soil, vegetation, and timber. 



5. State whether the soil and topography are adapted to agri- 

 cultural or grazing purposes, and if of more value for such 

 purposes than for mining. 



6. If the claim is located on a national forest, give special atten- 

 tion to the amount, kinds, and condition of the timber on the 

 various types of topography represented. A more detailed 

 description of the timber should be given under a separate 

 heading. 



IV. GEOLOGY STRATIGRAPHY 



The forest officer who has not had some training in the 

 study of stratigraphy and structure, and who is not familiar 

 with the common rocks and rock-forming minerals should 

 not attempt to give more than a general cross section of the 

 ore deposit, with dip and strike readings. The richness and 

 course of the vein or deposit are the important factors and for 

 this reason the subject of dip and strike is illustrated and dis- 

 cussed at some length under the heading "structure". 



The United States Geological Survey has been engaged for 

 a number of years in making a topographic survey and map 

 of the United States. About one-half of the United States has 

 been topographically mapped, and a general geological map has 

 been compiled for North America. The Federal and State 

 Geological Surveys have also published numerous detailed re- 

 ports and maps of special areas throughout the United States. 



The forest officer who is asked to make a preliminary re- 

 port upon mining claims should first secure from the State and 

 Federal Geological Surveys all reports and maps covering the 

 area in which the claims are located. An officer whose work 

 is confined to one national forest should be as familiar with 

 the geological formations and the various kinds of soils re- 

 presented in his district as he is with the forest and grazing 

 conditions. 



