ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT 
7 
No. 6. The .Value to Science of the Fossil Animal Remains 
Found Imbedded in the Earth, January, 1915. 
No. 7. Report on Clay Tests for Paving* Brick, April, 1915. 
Press Bulletin No. 6 is included herewith. Press Bulletin No. 7 
is included under Mineral Industries. The other press bulletins, with 
the exception of No. 3, are included in the preceding reports of the 
Survey. , 
DISTRIBUTION OF REPORTS. 
The reports issued by the State Geological Survey are distrib¬ 
uted upon request, and may be obtained without cost by addressing 
the State Geologist, Tallahassee, Florida. Requests by those living 
outside of the State of Florida should be accompanied by postage, 
or if desired the reports will be sent express collect. 
THE VALUE TO SCIENCE OF THE FOSSIL ANIMAL RE¬ 
MAINS FOUND IMBEDDED IN THE EARTH.* 
The value to science of the fossil animal remains found imbedded 
in the earth is sometimes not fully appreciated. To the geologist, 
fossils are not curios or objects of temporary interest, but are work¬ 
ing tools, since it is chiefly by them that the age of the deposits in 
which they occur is determined. Each formation and geologic time 
division is characterized more or less definitely by the animals and 
plants that were then living. In passing from' one formation to an¬ 
other a change is observed in the animal and plant life, which among 
other things determines the limits of the formation. In some of the 
European countries the value of fossils to science is much more fully 
recognized than in America, and it is required by law that fossils 
when found be preserved. It is very much to be hoped that in this 
country the true value of fossils may be more fully appreciated, and 
that all that are found may be cared for. This is especially to be de¬ 
sired in Florida where the rapid developments that are now in prog¬ 
ress result in extensive excavations, not only in connection with min¬ 
ing operations, but also in connection with the drainage of lands, har¬ 
bor and river dredging, and other general improvements. These op¬ 
erations are bringing to light many animal remains that have been 
imbedded in the earth for ages, and it certainly would be exceeding¬ 
ly unfortunate if these were allowed to be destroyed. 
*First published as Press Bulletin No. 6. 'Jaftuary, 1915. 
