EDITORIALS. 635. 



edge of all of the factors entering into a thorough hydrographic 

 investigation. In the search for artesian waters, thousands of 

 dollars have been wasted in places where a thorough knowledge 

 of the geological structure would have prevented such waste. 

 Each vear this fact is being better appreciated, and expert 

 opinion is more and more sought, both in connection with the 

 search for artesian water, and in the utilization of water power. 



The hydrographic work is not only intimately related to 

 geology and topography, but also demands data from the records 

 of climatic oscillations. The latter may be obtained from the 

 records of the Weather Bureau, but in other respects the work 

 is essentially a survey, and should be prosecuted in the most 

 economic manner possible. The organization of the department 

 of hydrographic work under the present limited appropriation is- 

 under the charge of Mr. F. H. Newell, who is assisted by Mr.. 

 Arthur Davis. Both of these gentlemen are trained topogra- 

 phers, and have had long experience in such hydrographic work as. 

 is contemplated by the Survey. At present they are largely 

 engaged upon the special study of the water supply of the great 

 arid and semi-arid region of the interior, employing local assist- 

 ance wherever parties are found who are interested in the work. 

 A large amount of this assistance is voluntary, so that they are 

 able to obtain much more extensive results than would otherwise 

 be possible with the resources at command. The railroads,, 

 especially, are giving much assistance by having their bridge 

 tenders read the river gauges that have been set up under the 

 direction of Mr. Newell. 



The value of this work is beyond question, and since it is so 

 closely related to geology, it appears to be strictly germane to 

 the work of the Survey. R. D. S. 



There is another project under consideration by the Director 

 of the Survey that will be of practical value to the people of the 

 country. It is proposed to establish a laboratory for the study 

 of materials entering into the construction of highways. At 

 present there is a decided movement in the country towards the 



