Kd'ifor'nil Coin incut. 30U 
to use the topographical sheets of the U. S. Greological survey 
have beeu compelled, in some instances, to ajjandon the attempt 
and to construct new sheets from independent triangulation — or 
at least from different data — or they have maile geological nuq)s 
without extensive topographic data. 
We do not hesitate to say that it was a serious and far-reaching- 
mistake when the U. S. ( geological survey', contrary to the recom- 
mendation of the National Academy of Science, and in addi- 
tion to the great work it had on hand in the examination of tlu; 
geological structure and the natural mineral resources of the 
country, entered upon the geodetic and topographical surveying 
of the national domain. In brief, our reasons for this opinion 
are : 
1. There was alnvuly in existence fully equipped an effi- 
cient organization engaged in such work. It only needed re- 
enforcement and authorization, to have performed this topo- 
graphical work for the whf)le country with correctness and dis- 
patch. 
2. The duties of the (ieological survey, as defined in the con- 
gressional acts relating to it. are ample for the functions of one 
buretui. 
3. "We know of no preceilcMit for it : but so far as example 
goes its influence would l»e opposed to it. The topographical 
mapping done l)y the t-arly territorial surveys was discontinued 
by act of Congress, and no state survey had. at that time, entered 
upon topographical mapping under a law ordering simply a ge<j- 
logical survey. The British (Ieological survey does no topograph- 
ical maj)i)iiig. lint receives such maps from the Ordance Depart- 
ment. 
4. The countrv demands more accurate work in geodetic 
measurements and more exact mai)})iMg than the (ieological sur- 
vey professedly aims to perform. A good topographical mai), 
such as those constructed by the Coast and (geodetic survey, 
while costing perhaps ten dollars per scpiare mile, is what the coun- 
try needs and must have, and would answer many other pui-j)0ses 
than for the mere delineati(jn of the geological structure. It 
would be of service in the Post Onicc Department, the Land 
(Jttice. the Weather i)nreau. and especially in the War Depart- 
ment. All economic and industrial, not to say educationtil affairs 
would licaidel liysuch a map. ( )n the contrary the topoui-aphica! 
