MICHIGAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 
35 
on the vegetation of the county by Forest B. H. Brown, and (3) a bio- 
logical report on the amphibians and the reptiles of Michigan. 
There is in course of preparation (4) a report upon the salt industry 
of Michigan by C. W. Cook, (5) a palaeontological report on the Dundee- 
Traverse formation by Prof. A. W. Grabau, and (6) a publication by 
Prof. Frank Leverett on the surface or soil formations of the Southern 
Peninsula. 
New Laboratory and Fire Proof Vault. The facilities and equip- 
ment of the Survey have been very materially augmented by the in- 
stallation of a chemical and petrographic laboratory now nearing com- 
pletion. A new shipping room has also been provided by the Board 
of State Auditors. The addition of the laboratory and shipping room 
almost doubles the floor space now occupied by the Survey. A com- 
modious fire-proof vault has been provided for the safe keeping of the 
original field notes and records, plats and drawings which could not 
be replaced if destroyed. 
CO-OPERATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY. 
Through a co-operative agreement with the University, by permission 
of the Board of Regents, Prof. Alfred H. White of the University and 
the Director have made arrangements for the testing of clays and the 
making of chemical analyses in the chemical laboratory at the Uni- 
versity. It is not the intention to compete in any sense with private 
laboratories. The Survey does not maintain an analytical or testing 
laboratory, but has almost constant need for such equipment in execu- 
tion of its investigations and also in rendering information in specific 
instances where same is applied for by citizens of the state. By this 
co-operation there is avoided duplication of equipment and expense. 
The Survey does not support a chemist and our new laboratory is 
equipped mainly for qualitative chemical analyses as an aid in the study 
of minerals, rocks and ores. 
CO-OPERATION WITH PUBLIC DOMAIN COMMISSION. 
Under the law all mineral values in state lands, including acreage 
hereafter acquired, shall remain the property of the state. The mineral 
values may, however, be leased for mining purposes and a number 
of applications for lease and option have already been received. The 
Director has gladly accepted the invitation of the Public Domain Com- 
mission to act as advisor in matters relative to the disposition of mining 
options and leases on state-owned lands. 
NEW MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF ADVISERS AND SURVEY STAFF. 
The Board of Advisers comprises a limited number of the leading 
scientists of the state who are appointed from time to time, and who 
act without pay. The Director is much indebted to this body for aid 
and advice in matters affecting the interests of Hie Survey. Mr. Bryant 
Walker of Detroit, Prof. W. H. Sherzer of Ypsilanti, and Dr. Ernest 
Bessey of East Lansing have recently consented to act on the Board, 
the latter to fill the vacancy created bv the removal from the State of 
Dr. W. J. Beal. 
