114 PROCEEDINGS OK PI IK ALBANY MEETING 



master hand. If a criticism is to be made of his administration, it is 

 perhaps that he sometimes failed to search for the facts dealing with the 

 interpretation of some of the broader and more fundamental problems 

 of the science. He would no doubt reply to such a criticism that until 

 there were more detailed facts the investigation of the larger problems 

 would simply lead into the realm of pure speculation. It is true, more- 

 over, that the broader field of research was by no means entirely neglected, 

 though it was given a less conspicuous place than the detailed studies. 



\Vhen Hayes joined the Federal Survey only about thirty geologists 

 were on its permanent staff. When he resigned the position of Chief 

 Geologist, nearly a quarter of a century later, the number of geologists 

 had grown to over 100. This growth can be taken as a measure of the 

 public interest in geologic work, and in the last analysis its recognition of 

 the value of the science. The history of geology shows a gradual evolu- 

 tion from the field of pure speculation toward the ultimate goal of exact 

 science, and this evolution has been specially marked during the span of 

 years that Hayes was engaged as a professional geologist. Many influ- 

 ences and many investigators have contributed to this evolution. Hayes 

 must, however, be credited with notable part in advancing this movement. 

 Probably his most notable service rendered the science to which he de- 

 voted his life was in the influence he had both as an investigator and as a 

 leader in guiding geologic research toward greater refinement. 



Mexican Oil Fields 



In 1911 Hayes resigned the position of Chief Geologist to become vice- 

 president and general manager of the Aguila Oil Company of Mexico. 

 Though engrossed in his work and greatly regretting to leave his circle of 

 friends in Washington, yet the inducements offered were such that he 

 could not afford to refuse the new position. While he left the Govern- 

 ment service with deep regret, yet he was also greatly interested in both 

 the scientific and administrative problems opened up to him by this 

 change. He was thoroughly familiar with the general situation at Tam- 

 pico, where his new duties called him. In 1909, in company with Dr. 

 David T. Day, he visited Tampico, and on his return submitted a brief 

 statement dealing principally with the relation of Mexican oil fields to 

 the market for American oils. Later, while on furlough from the Federal 

 Survey, he made private geologic surveys in the Tampico field, and here 

 his methods were to find their supreme test. After detailed stratigraphic 

 and structural surveys he recommended certain drilling for oil. The re- 

 sult showed that his predictions as to the depth of the pool were not only 

 correct within a few feet, but they led to the developing of the famous 



