2 
sources. For the past year, the Department of Pubhc Works 
has been securing data on the ground and artesian water sup- 
phes of the Islands, special attention being given to the artesian 
supplies of the Island of Oahu. The data so far secured has 
been forwarded to Dr. W. C. Mendenhall, Geologist in charge 
of Ground Water Investigations of the-U. S. Geological Sur- 
vey, and Dr. Mendenhall's report can be expected in the near 
future. The surface investigations are in charge of Mr. Mar- 
tin, District Engineer for the U. S. Geological Survey. 
2. Topographic Surveys. 
This work is in charge of Mr. C. H. Birdseye, Chief To- 
pographer for the Hawaiian Division. At the present time, the 
held work of the topographic survey of the Island of Kauai has 
been finished and the maps will be engraved and ready for 
distribution by February of next year. On the completion of 
these surveys, we will have the correct information as regards 
the physical features of the islands, the location of railroads, tun- 
nels, aqueducts and other culture, and reservoir sites for the 
future conservation of the ordinary as well as the freshet flows 
of our mountain streams. 
These maps will be of inestimable value to the Territorial Gov- 
ernment, in the opening and development of its public lands, and 
to the individual and plantation interests. Large areas of our 
lands in both public and private ownership are terra incognito. 
The surveyors, in order to make a perfect map, must cover every 
square mile of the surface of the Islands, with the result that 
our unknown, unvalued lands will have been surveyed and 
plotted. These maps will also show the areas under cultivation 
and definite information as regards areas susceptible of cultiva- 
tion. 
Following the completion of these maps will be the investiga- 
tion of soil and its agricultural value for various crops. The 
local station of the U. S. Department of Agriculture will, through 
aid derived from the Conservation Fund, establish sub-stations 
on the various Islands. 
At present we are without all of the necessary information for 
the development of a general scheme of conservation for our 
natural resources, and until such time as we are in possession of 
this data, each particular unit will have to be considered by itself. 
However, upon the completion of the surveys now under way, all 
of the information necessary for a complete scheme of conserva- 
tion for each island can be formulated. 
The question has often been asked : ''What have we in this 
Territory to conserve?" That question is readily answered. 
Our waters, the agricultural life of our country ; our soils and 
our forests. In this Territory, advantage has been taken of our 
soils and favorable climatic conditions and through the develop- 
ment of our agricultural industries, we are in a position, as re- 
gards wealth and prosperity equal, if not better, than that of 
