THE STATE SURVEY OF SOUTH DAKOTA. 



BY ELLWOOD C. PERISHO. 



At the request of the Editor, I gladly contribute the 

 following concerning the object and work of the South 

 Dokta State Survey: 



The Geological and Natural History Survey of this 

 state was established a little over a decade ago. The 

 publications of the survey are three bulletins, issued by 

 the then state geologist — James E. Todd. The entire 

 manuscript, notes and all, of the present state geologist, 

 for Bulletin No. 4, were destroyed in the burning of one 

 of the halls of the State Universit}^ some months ago. 

 The survey hopes to publish a bulletin during the pres- 

 ent year. 



The general topics thus far discussed in the publi- 

 cation are as follows: 



Bulletin No. 1 — A preliminary report on the 

 geology of South Dakota, including chapters on the 

 topography and general geology of the state, along with 

 a discussion of the different eras and ages represented, 

 and something of the economic products. 



Bulletin No. 2 — This publication treats largely of 

 the geology of the Black Hills and the Bad Lands, along 

 with some other areas. Also a discussion concerning 

 artesian wells. 



Bulletin No. 3 — The mineral resources of South Da- 

 kota, embracing especially the mineral wealth of the 

 Black Hills and non-metalliferous economic products 

 of Eastern South Dakota. 



The first consideration of the state survey, in 

 determining the character of its work, would certainly 

 depend upon the object of the survey as set forth in the 

 law, by virtue of which the survey has its existence. 

 While it may be possible, in some states, for the state 

 geologists to place various interpretations upon the 

 exact meaning of the enactment creating a state survey 



