26 RECORD OF DEEP WELL DRILLING FOR 1904. [bull. 264. 
ingness shown by operators and drillers to assist and the value of the 
material obtained suggested the organization of a similar system for 
the entire country. 
Accordingly, during the fall of 1903, Mr. Veatch drew up an out- 
line of a proposed system for collecting and preserving well samples, 
which was indorsed by the geologists interested in the keeping of rec- 
ords and samples, with the result that it.was decided to take up the 
work as soon as circumstances should permit, which was at the begin- 
ning of the fiscal year 1904-5. 
The plan outlined by Mr. Veatch for the collection of well records 
and samples contained many points in common with that for the pro- 
posed u oil and gas section," submitted by the present writer in 1902. 
(See pp. 28-39.) The principal points of difference are the inclusion of 
water wells in the present system and the exclusion of oil and gas data, 
except as they relate to stratigraphy and structure as shown by the 
well records. The items covered by paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 16, and 
IT of the former plan are likewise covered by the present work, while 
it is hoped that in the future those mentioned in paragraphs 10, 11, 
and 14 will also be included. 
As the plan originated in the division of hydrology the new work 
was assigned to it, about two-fifths of the expense being borne by the 
eastern section and the remainder shared equally by the western 
section of hydrology and the geologic branch. The oversight of the 
work rests with the chief of the eastern section, but its inauguration 
was placed in the hands of Mr. Veatch, assisted by Mr. E. F. Lines, 
by whom it was put into successful operation. On the relinquishment 
of the work by Mr. Veatch, who wished to take up more purely 
scientific problems, the prosecution devolved upon Mr. Lines, to 
whom much of the success of the work is due. 
RESULTS. 
The results obtained during the six months in which the system for 
collecting records and samples has been in operation are very gratify- 
ing. The practical nature of the plan has appealed to drillers and 
others interested in wells and has resulted in many offers of coopera- 
tion. The plan has likewise been cordially received by the press 
and favorably commented upon editorially. 
In the office the plan has likewise been shown to be eminently 
practical. The system outlined by Mr. Veatch has now been in opera- 
tion long enough to thoroughly test its efficiency, and has proved to 
be simple in operation, economical as to labor, convenient to handle, 
and effective in its results. A few minor changes have been found 
desirable, but in all its main features the plan followed is substantially 
as originally formulated. 
