IV PREFACE. 



for a geologic study of this region; as there is a scientific need for the extension of the 

 geologic investigations beyond the Canal Zone to adjacent areas, and as these extended 

 investigations, although they may not always bear directly on the problems of build" 

 ing the canal, will, by furnishing a basis for a wider knowledge of the geology of the 

 area than can be obtained on the Canal Zone, be helpful in deciphering the local 

 stratigraphy and structure of the rock formations cut by the canal, and will afford infor- 

 mation on whether there are fuels, notably fuel oil, or other geologic products of eco- 

 nomic value within reach' of the canal: 



The Smithsonian Institution and the United States Geological Survey desire to enter 

 into cooperation with the Isthmian Canal Commission in making a study of the geology 

 of the Canal Zone and extending the studies to adjacent regions so far as is feasible. 

 . The following is submitted to the Isthmian Canal Commission for its consideration: 



It is hoped and urged that the Canal Commission will continue in its service a com- 

 mission geologist, and will provide facilities for his field work within the Canal Zone 

 until the excavations for the canal for the Panama Pailroad, and for any other projects 

 that may require excavations have been completed and carefully studied. The Canal 

 Commission is especially requested to permit the commission geologist to extend his 

 examinations of the geologic formations and mineral resources beyond the Canal Zone, 

 the salary of the geologist to be paid by the Canal Commission, and funds for his field 

 expenses to be provided by the Smithsonian Institution. The commission geologist 

 will, of course, submit to the Canal Commission a report of such nature and scope as the 

 commission may direct. 



The United States Geological Survey will, without charge, cut rock sections for 

 microscopic study, make chemical analyses, and furnish special reports on fossils and 

 other collections made and submitted by the commission. The advice of the different 

 specialists on the survey will be at the service of the commission whenever their advice 

 may be desired. 



After the completion of the field work and after the commission geologist has sub- 

 mitted his report to the Canal Commission, the Smithsonian Institution desires to pub" 

 lish comprehensive and detailed monographic accounts of the physiography, strati- 

 graphic and structural geology, geologic history, geologic correlation, mineral resources 

 (including coal, oil, and other fuels), petrography, and paleontology of the Canal Zone 

 and of as much of the adjacent areas in the isthmian region as is feasible. The service 8 

 of the most eminent authorities will be enlisted in the preparation of special memoirs 

 on the various collections made and submitted. The endeavor will be, by full presen- 

 tation of all obtainable information, to make the Canal Zone the geologic standard of 

 comparison for Central America as well as for portions of North and South America. 

 In these reports due credit will be given to the Isthmian Canal Commission for its par- 

 ticipation in the investigations. 



We hope that this plan will meet with your approval and support. 

 Very respectfully, 



(Signed) Charles D. Walcott, 



Secretary, Smithsonian Institution. 

 (Signed) Geo. Otis Smith, 



Director, U. S. Geological Survey. 



The proposed cooperation was approved by the chairman of the 

 Canal Commission. Doctor MacDonald remained with the commis- 

 sion until the excavations in connection with the canal were completed 

 and he made explorations outside the Canal Zone, especially along 

 Banana River in Costa Rica, and in the Province of Los Santos 

 (Azuero Peninsula) and from David northward to the volcano of 

 Chiriqui, in Panama. He was also geologist for the Costa Rica- 

 Panama Boundary Commission. 



