Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1857-02-24

wiz realize no beneficial results from geologicaT
researches 1t is Justly regarded as the basis of
true national greatness; and whatever tends to
affect this interest, affects IN great degree the
general prosperity of the country But If Cecil
ogv is the friend of any profession or pursuit
more Intimately is il of that which finds its re-
ward cultivating the soil By careful examna-
ton OF sub-soils and underlying strata, by thor
ough analysis Of the soils, by examination Of all
mineral substances suited to sustain or improve
the fertility OF these soils. such rs humus green
sand and mari. the geologist VIII BE able to give
such 4 report as would enable every farmer, not
only to preserve. but even 10 increase the pro-
ductive energies of his lands, and thus add not
only 70 the annual increase, but also to the in
trinsic value his land. Agricultural Chemis-
try Is row considered an important branch of
farmers education, and whatever shall contri-
butte 10 difTuse j knowledge Of the constituent
parts Of the various soils overspreading the vast
area Of our State VIII at the same time be an
advertisement of their capacity for production.
The survey proposed, contemplates such an an
alysis and examination rs shall establish the
value Of land for agricultural improvcu ent, and
enable the stranger among Ms 70 select 4 region
of country within our limits wherewith to make
him = home
Your committee are, therefore, unanimously
Of the opinion. that the same enlightened polcv
which prevailed in originating the survey, in IN
equal and even greater degree demands its pro-
secution to final completion. So far the expense
bears no proportion to the value Of the results
IN impetus and direction has been given 10
mining operations, and degree Of confidence
impaired IN relation 10 the true value Of cur
mines, which must induce capitalists TO invest
largely, especially, if bv following mp these in
vestiga5ions in proper manner and in 4 spirit
OF Hbcraiity, the views now entertained be firm
" established.
ENGLAND with +nrrt+g-y- 'oz1 -, c.-+r,,+ +Ia,
Wisconsin has spent millions in geological sur
veys, and in return has reaped a thousand fold.
PENNSYLVANIA and New York have each spent
from $4,000 10 100000, and the amount Of
anthracite coal alone. in the former. increased
from less than 100000 tons In 1887, 70 over l.
600 900 tons in 1850 And though II NAV be
established that no large bodies Of coal exist in
Wisconsin, vet the recent discovery of Peat Beds,
renders it probable that although surrey OF all
localities favorable tois production, VIII reveal
II IN such quantities = viii amply compensate
for the lac., Of the fprner.
The prosecution Of Geological, and in conuec-
t;ov, of Botanical Surveys. seems 10 have become
lie settled policy ofal enlightened governments:
and -acu we frke into account, the truth that
scientific Investigation is the legitimate founda-
tioE On which to build an empire OF wealth. il
wou.c appear t"tT we owe not only 10 our
selves hgt especially to cur posteritr, to point
out 80 them the rIch legacy we are about to be-
oUaath.
The former survey was Instituted under IN
act approved March p. 1853; and the time lin
tied T., -ald act expires ON the 25th Of March
next. Immediate necessity exists FIVE would
not lose auorEer year, for making provision to
complete under the supervision of some compC-
tent person @: we'll established reputation the
labor bus 50 lrarerfcc'ly begun. That such q
man can b. found Admits ONO reasonable doubt
. Pr97fdel. - cans are supplied pr0p0rtionate with
y work If such importance and magnitude
That such . man d the only man the State
would ind II Tor her interest to employ. IS toe
evident -1 adm. of argument The following
observations by Dr. Percival are not out Of place
and reflect 80 fully the opinions Of the commit
tee in this COM eccl0A tbat attention is called L
them
3" il NAV he thought by some that Gcoloci
cal Survey can be best conducted by numerous
local observers. who viii each devote himself {,
the invest Cation of his vicinity. such labors ar
Of great importance in completing the details
But the advantage Of survey conducted by ont
person. is the systematic unity which such caE
best give to the whole. IT Is only hv personal
" inspecting numerous localities in every sec
tiou Of the State, that the connection Of the
1 whole can be determined. When the genera
system Is once well a@certained. The details, =.
thew arise, can be adjusted. each in IFS arpr0
priatc place. and an order be established, as use
FIJI IN the common pursuits of life, Is It IS inter
! estUg to the man Of science
"The extent Of the State, and the great mum
bcT ofimportant objects 10 be investigated, would
only enable me, should I continue another wear
to give IN oati'Itc Of full survey. I would hope
for the best interest Of the State, that the Leg
islature would consent to 4 fU-t,ser continuance
Of the survey. 7 do not suggest this from an7
personal consideration. but from = conviction
tina, such an appropriation wei employed, VII
more than repay Tive cost
The views Of YOU" committee IN relation &