Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-05-29
Geological Survey.

There is good sense in the following re.
marks, which we take from the Belfast Jour.
nal.
car the present moment we are well aware
that the proposal Of any measure which con.
templates drift upon the financial means
of the State, il received at all, will be re.
ceived with much caution, and, (very prop.
erly, too,) with a careful regard of our La
bIlilies and resources. But it seems 10 us
that all things considered, it would be al the
present momenI, wise, and in the end an
economical, policy on the part Of The State,
to embrace an opportunity which offers for
resuming and completing Of the geological
survey of the State. We learn that the gen.
Ileman, (Dr. Charles T. Jackson,) under
whom the survey was prosecuted tor three
years, We think, is now disengaged, save in
the business of his office, and would be clad
TO finish the work so well began. 1t was
suspended about the time of the boundary
troubles, which drew SO largely upon the
funds of the STATE. The expenses of Aroos.
took difficulty have now been reimbursed to
the State by general government, and there
would seem to be a peculiar propriety in
appropriating a small portion OF The refund
sum TO the completion Of the work,-so i'm
portant to the State,-whch was suspended
by that affair. We are told DR.. J. that two
years would probably suffice TO The compile.
ton of the survey, and that the sum required
would not exceed at most $500 per annum.
Pennsylvania has very recently appropriated
90 less than $40, 900 for the same object, in
part we think by way OF complying with q
request Of the general government that States
should complete their geological SURVEYS so
that complete GEOLOGICAL map of the Uni
ted States may be formed as soon as possible.
We need hardly allude TO the importance
to the State Of the complexion Of this survey.
The preliminary survey, in opening new
resources, and stopping expenditures in
search Of minerals, { especially coal. which
we presume does not exist in the State,l
where such expenditures were not warranted
by scientific eslimations, has more than
repaid the sums expended thereon. But this
survey was merely preliminary one. and
the annual reports were general details of
operations. complete and finished report
would be different thing. We have seen
that of the geology OF New Hampshire, com.
pleled by DR.. Jackson. The first part
contains general essay on geology, and the
body of the work an elaborate report of The
features Of the State. 1t is much used in
the schools Of the State, and with great
advan age, Tor the matters treated in the
work are practically illustrated by nature, ia
the very places where the study is pursued.
Maine is eminently State Of immense vet
half developed mineral resources. Narure
has done much for her, and all she wants is
that science should point out the places and
manner in which to apply the hand of indus.
try. The counties of Hancock and Wash.
ington, in particular, require a thorough
examination, as less was done in them al The
time of the preliminary survey than 10 other
counties.
Since the State was examined before,
much advancement has been made in the
science OF geology. 1t is now more especial.
ly considered in reference to agriculture. II
the survey should be completed now much
attention would be bestowed 10 the nature
and capabilities of soils, their adapledness
to various productions. the means Of reno.
valing them, in relation to which recent and
very important discoveries have been made
in New Jersey,) and other matters in the
same connection. 1t seems 10 US peculiarly
important that Maine should take such Steps
TO develope her natural resources,-and we
believe Them TO I've hardly exceeded, AS msy
check the tide OF emigration which is carry
ing our best bone and sinew away from US
TO places where the returns Of labor arc
more immediate, and, perhaps, larger
Such step, il seems 10 us may be made
now. Certainly the appropriation needed is
not large enough TO frghten any one, and to
il there can be no local or political opposi-
lion,-for the results would be alike beneficial
to ALL We should, from these considerations,
he pleased to see this matter receive the
attention of the Legislature at an early day.