The Proposed Natural History Survey. 605 
ence to the occurrence of iron ores, building stones, and 
other valuable mineral products, and in reference to 
their value as material for road construction. 
(2) A study of the soils of the state. 
(3) A study of the plants of the state, and especially of the 
forests, with reference to their cultivation and preser¬ 
vation. 
(4) A study of the animal life of the state, and especially 
the occurrence, distribution, and production of fish in 
the lakes and streams of the state; and a study of 
;• foods and enemies of fish. 
(5) The preparation of an account of the physical geography 
and natural history of the state, in such form as to 
serve as manuals for the public schools, and of special 
reports on subjects of economic importance, in such form 
as to be of direct service to the people. 
(6) The completion of the topographic map of the state be¬ 
gun by the United States geological survey. This work 
shall be sufficiently accurate to show the character of 
the country and furnish a basis for the location of high¬ 
ways ; but no money shall be expended for topography 
unless an equivalent amount be expended for this pur¬ 
pose in the state by the United States government. 
Section III. This survey shall be governed by a board of 
commissioners, consisting of the governor of the state, the 
state superintendent of public instruction, the president of the 
state university, the president of the commissioners of fisheries, 
and the president of the Wisconsin academy of sciences, arts, and 
letters. 
The commissioners shall meet within thirty days after the 
passage of this act, and organize as a commission, and adopt 
by-laws for their government, not inconsistent with law, and 
shall meet at such times and places as they may prescribe. A 
majority shall be a quorum. They shall receive no compensa¬ 
tion, but each shall be reimbursed his expenses actually and 
necessarily incurred in the performance of his official duties, 
out of such appropriation as may be made by the legislature. 
