12 The Badland Formations of the Black Hills Region 



np a considerable portion of the badlands of that state. In 

 view of the fact, however, that these rocks have not been differ- 

 entiated in the nearer areas and especially because here their 

 badland topography is generally of little significance no further 

 reference is given them. Pliocene deposits, known. to occur 

 near the southern border of the area mapped, are likewise omit- 

 ted. These deposits have afforded, interesting fossils but they 

 have received only preliminary attention and their areal dis- 

 tribution has not been determined. Still later materials, namely, 

 Pleistocene and Recent are rather widely scattered in narrow 

 belts or little disconnected patches over the entire area. As in 

 the case of the others just mentioned, these are not described. 



Badland Tertiary areas are represented in various parts 

 of the world but nowhere are they so well developed as in the 

 United States. They are found particularly in South Dakota, 

 Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota, Montana, Ore- 

 gon, Utah and New Mexico. Of all these deposits those in the 

 Black Hills region, indicated on the accompanying geological 

 map, are vastly superior in complexity and extent so far as con- 

 cerns typical badland topography and are unequalled the world 

 over in their astounding wealth of vertebrate remains. 



The badland areas of the Black Hills region constitute a 

 much misunderstood portion of American territory. The term 

 "badland" is in itself detractive although apt enough in early 

 frontier days when hardships of travel were rigorous enough 

 even under the best of circumstances. Much the greater portion 

 of the area within the badlands as commonly understood is lev- 

 el and fertile and covered with abundant rich grasses and recent 

 occupation by thousands of settlers has brought out the fact that 

 over large tracts, especially on the higher tables, good refresh- 

 ing water may be obtained by sinking shallow wells in the thick 

 soil and gravel mantle that occurs rather widespread over the 

 surface. The country has in years gone by been of much value 

 as an open range for the grazing of cattle and horses. Since 

 the building of the railroads the land has largely passed from 

 the government to private ownership and farming on rather an 

 extensive scale has been carried on. Farming, especially in the 

 Big Badlands, has not yet passed the initial stage, but abundant 

 rains during the time of occupancy thus far has given promise 

 of good success. Within little more than a stones throw from 

 where the early explorers spoke of the region as an inferno for 

 heat and drought men have built homes for themselves and 

 their families and have been raising good crops of staple grains 



