The State Survey of South Dakota. S3 



Among the more important economic problems 

 which the survey expects to investigate at its earliest 

 opportunity, may be mentioned: 



1. The mineral Fuels. 



No one economic product would add more to the 

 almost universal convenience of the people than a suf- 

 ficient quantity of cheap local fuel. The survey, in pre- 

 ceding years has done w hat it could in the investigation 

 of this question, but a more extensive study of the prob- 

 lem might be of inestimable worth. The coal-bearing 

 lands, as to location, extent, thickness of seams, char- 

 acter of the coal or lignite, should be carefully investi- 

 gated. The same thing is true concerning peat beds and 

 natural gas areas. That both coal and gas exist in 

 South Dakota, is well know^n, but to just what extent 

 these products can be generally used should now be 

 determined. 



2. Clays. 



In a region so free from timber and so rapidly in- 

 creasing in population as is South Dakota, there are few 

 more important economic products than the building 

 materials found in the stone beds and clay deposits. This 

 state is rich in Cretaceous and other residual formations, 

 as well as the clays of glacial origin. 



It is well known that we have here extensive beds 

 of many kinds of clay, including not only the common 

 brick and tile clays, but also those good for fire brick, 

 porcelain pottery and fine wares. Our cement making 

 materials are already well known for their excellence. 

 A more careful study of all the above than has yet been 

 possible is not only desirable, but should prove of great 

 material benefit to the people of the state. 



3. The water. As yet there has not been a sys- 

 tematic study or investigation of the chemical constitu- 

 ents, from an economic and sanitary view, of the waters 



