/S A GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE STATE A NECESSITY? 45& 



We shall devote the remainder of the evening to something we deem of vital 

 importance to our State. That is a geological survey of Kansas. If we can con- 

 vince you and through yc u the great mass of our citizens that there is a necessity 

 that such a work should be made, and that the benefits derived from it will be 

 one hundred times the cost attending the same, our labor in bringing this sub- 

 ject before you will not be without some good results. This Academy was organ- 

 ized for the advancement and promotion of scientific knowledge. In pursuit of 

 it a great many facts in regard to the resources of the State have been made 

 public which have proved of great value to the people of this commonwealth. 

 Take for instance the weather reports by Professors Snow and Lovewell, which 

 have been furnished to the public; the botany of the Staie by Prof. Carruth; 

 the geological formations by the late Prof. Mudge ; besides mineral deposits, 

 insect life, etc., by other members of the academy. 



We know little in regard to our mineral wealth. The digging of a well has 

 developed coal, opened up lead mines, brought forth mineral waters, unearthed 

 hidden treasures, etc. If the State should take hold of a geographical survey 

 and prosecute it faithfully the public would find that Kansas possesses within 

 her valuable resources, which now lie idle and unknown. What is there in a 

 geological survey that the farmer, merchant and mechanic should lend his aid 

 and influence in securing an appropriation for this purpose ? He might say if 

 coal was found in great abundance in his vicinity, it would reduce the price; if 

 the rainfall could be regulated so they could get it when needed ; if frost could 

 come only in winter; if grasshoppers could be kept away; if all the various insects 

 that prove so destructive to fruit and grain could be rendered harmless, a geolog- 

 ical survey would be a good thing. We all agree to this, and believe a great 

 deal may be accomplished in benefitting the public that they do not know of 

 now, and much more to the development of the State. 



A bill was iutroduced during the meeting of the last legislature asking for a 

 small appropriation for a geological survey. A large number of the members 

 thought it a good thing, but that the railroad bill should pass first. Others said it 

 will cost too much, can't afford it ; others asked what is the use of a geological 

 survey ? Another said a geological survey is to pay the expenses of collecting old 

 bones and minerals that are found scattered over the prairies. These are some 

 of the objections to a geological survey, showing that the purpose and object are 

 not generally known. Some think it is merely topographical survey, that refers 

 to the surface entirely and has little or nothing to do wtth anything found below 

 the surface. From the various opinions that people have in regard to it, we 

 believe a great many do not understand what a geological survey is, or the benefits 

 to be derived from it. If properly understood we believe there would be no 

 difficulty in securing an appropriation for the work. 



We shall endeavor briefly to state what a geological survey is, and some of 

 the advantages of it. It comprises exploring everything on and below the surface, 

 where the most valuable part of the earth may be found, boring and digging into the 

 crust of the earth to any depth that may be necessary to develop everything that 



