Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1853-05-19
Circular of the State GeolOgist.

your cooperation. 1he objects OF this survey,
are to ascertain the character position, thickness
and horizontal extent OF the various beds of rock,
which occur in State. To discover the loca-
ton, quality, mode of occurrence, and amount of
all valuable mineral substances; to annalyze the
soil in various loca lties with view TO test its
| agricultural capacity, and determine It's proper
uses and the bes, means of improving il. And
in general terms TO collect and arrange, all knowl
edge that can be obtained of the physical resourc-
es of Wisconsin.
BY this means, citizens and the world
at large viii be furnished with reliable informa
] ton concerning natural endowments as a
State. The dissemination of such knowledge will
invite population, hasten the development of our
known resources of wealth and at the same time
open up new mineral treasures, as yet undiscov-
cred. In this way. every citizen IS to be sharer
! in the substantial benefits of the survey, and has
a direct interest in its successful prosecution.
The sum Of money appropriated to this work
/ though probably as large as the financial condi-
ton OF a State SO young as ours would warrant,
! is small when compared with the labor TO be per-
formed. This deficiency, however, must be bal
anced SO far as possible, by judicious manage
ment, and such voluntary assistance as the nteli-
gence and patriotism of the citizens at large may
/ prompt them 10 render With the limited means
at our disposal. it rests with you, to a great ex-
tent, TO decide how much shall be accomplished,
to give profitable direction to any cooperative
efforts which may be made, offer a few practi-
cal suggestions, of the highest importance to the
interests which we propose to advance, by a Geo
logical survey.
1st. Observe the character OF The rocks. if any
are exposed in your vicinitv vhether they are ar
ranged in layers (straunedJ or occur in irregular
masses, (unstratifed) whether they contain any
curious petrifactions. or shapes of animals or
plants, in stone
I'd. If there are different beds of rock lying
one above the other, as sandstone, limestone, &c.
note their thickness. extent upon the surface and
order Of superpo.i;ion
Sd Ii excavations for railroads. canals, sink
iag shafts for wells mining, &c. preserve speci
mems of the rocks, clays. soils. &c, of every foot
in depth, and take careful minutes in writing, of
the order in which thev occur
4th. Collect specimens of all rocks, cays,
marls peats, and all soils remarkable either for
Producuyeness, or strerility in your vicinity
These should be fair average specimens. and such
as would afford by analysis, a test Of the compo-
sltion of the entire mass from which they are Ia.
ken.
9th. Carefully preserve all petrifactions, and all
bones, teeth. tusks, or other remains of animals
found in the soils, clays, graves or elsewhere
9th II beds of limestone, fit for marble grind
stone quarries sand which might be used for
glass, &c clay, for pottery; metallic ores, or
any mineral substance, which in your opinion.
might be valuable, occurs, collect and forward
specimens of each kind
7th. Where veins of ore are being worked lin
the lead region particularly notice their length,
direction, increase and diminution in thickness,
as they traverse the rock, depth below the sur
face. and product of ore Accurate drawings OF
particular veins which can be prepared easily by
the practical miner, as he works them out would
be of great value.
sth. Note such facts as have, or NAV come I'M
der your observation, which seems 10 prove that
lead has been formed at recent periods and is still
slowly accumulating
9th. viii the owners Of all works for the re-
ducton Of ores, furnish statement of the amount
; Of ore worked, cost and methods OF reduction.
AMI pure metal produced within the year.
1Ui5 In general collect all specimens, and facts,
which in you. opinion will be interesting or use
ful to be generally kno,;
Specimens Of rock or ores. sn9uld be abSat /
inches square Pe,rifactons should be sent whole
whatever may be their size if broken in extract
ing from the rocks, carefully preserve the frag.
ments. Soils may be put up in four ounce walls.
Each specimen should be wrapped in paper by it.
self with label. stating its precise locality. writ
ten with ink. When thus prepared. specimens
may oe forwarded IN box carefully packed. to
the Safe Ceologst, Madison in care Of the Gorern-
or They may be sen, by the member elect from
each assembly district, who will no doubt see 10
their safe delivery as matter of public interest
or forwarded h. any other means which may be
thought proper.
5 All communications may be directed 10 E Dan
IELs, State Geologist, Madison where they will be
sure TO reach me at any time.
BY following these suggestions. every citizen
can render an essential service 10 the state. and
promote the common interests Of It's people and
al the same time. be acquIInting himself with i'm
Portant facts and contributing to the advance
ulent Of sound Science.
10 the duty which has been assigned me. shall
bring hearty good viii, however humble the ca
PacIty with which it my be associated. sincere
" desire that the highest possible benefit may ac-
crue from the survey, and effort on my part
snail be wanting TO secure this result To nv
endeavors IN this regard, earnestly invite your
cooperation. Every engineer, miner, agricultur-
Isl and every man who walks over the earth
tFeads upon lis soils and rocks, or looks out upon
IS wonders and beauties, can add something n
the aiue of this work
% the young men Of the State. especially
would l appeal You nave The viii and energy
and power to do; you are 20 live, and tase your
part IN the growing destines of this young com
monwealth. Give your aid then TO the develope
ment Of her resour ,es, and the advancement NJ