Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-01-05
Tho Geological Survey--Its Usefulness
 and it's Progress.

The Geological Survey---Its Usefulness and it's Progress.
 l We extract the following from Gov. More heads message to the General Assembly of the State of Kentucky at its last December ses. sion:
 "Thc geological and mineralogica survey of the State has been in progress during the past two years, and in pursuance of the direction l of the statue, the reports made to me, have been handed over to the public printer for pub lication. They contain large amount of va luable and interesting information as to our mineral wealth and various soils, with the best means for their improvement and renovation. | 1t Is due to the great agricultural interest of the State that this survey should be completed. Apart from the inexhaustible mineral wealth | which has already been developed, it will fur 1 nsh an accurate analysis of soils from every part of the State. Data will be given for tra- cing the natural manures, and the best means pointed out of fertilizing our soils. Its value cannot be too highly estimated in the influence which it is destined to exert on the future agri- cultural industry of he State. regret that ece shall, to ertent, De deprived of the valuable services of Dr. Owen, toho has accepted the ap- pointmentcf Geolog'st for the State of Arkansas. He has, however expressed willingness to continue to give a general supervision over the Kentucky survey, and, as he receives only per diem compensation, for the time he is actually occupied in the service of the State, it is, 1 think, desirable that as the work was commenced by him it should be completed un- der his auspices"
 We publish this extract, not only to show the high estimate placed upon the services of Dr. David Dale Owen as geologist, but the light in which geological survey is held by a highly intelligent and distinguished individual. The Governor of Kentucky appreciates the ad- vantages of a geological survey, its benefits to the mineral and agricultural interests of the State, and acts wisely in recommending its pro- secution to completion.
 There is no State in the Union that possesses greater diversity of soils and minerals than Arkansas, and, consequently, no State that would derive greater benefit from geological and mineralogcal survey. It is work that has already been too long deferred, from mlsta- ken notions of economy, and it must be gratl- flying to our citizens to know that It has been at last commenced under the happiest ausplces. | The publication of Dr. Owens first report, which will be made in time to be submitted to the next General Assembly, will attract the great est degree of attention throughout the Uhionf It will at once turn all eyes upon our State, ana ih- vite hither large class of wealthy and enterprs- inc citizens. It is we'll established fact that there lies buried in the soil of Arkansas, in inexhaust ble quantities, nearly every variety of valuable mineral. These hidden treasures, which, when explored and brought to light, contribute so largely to the wealth of nation, it is the pro- vince of the geoogist to develop.
 The British government properly appreciates the value of the geological science. It makes regular annual appropriation of S25, 900 and maintains two or three corps of able geologists continually in the field. It has been pursuing this policy for years, and will continue it for years to come, and yet England, Wales and Scotland combined are not twice the area in square miles of Arkansas. Combined, they have an area of 89,O0O square miles, while Arkansas alone has an area of fifty-two thousand square miles.
 The Island of Great Britain owes much of its wealth and prosperity to the products of its numerous mnes and considering its small ex- tent, the amount of wealth annually dug out of the earth is truly astonishing. Within this It. tie island the annual value of the mineral sub stances produced, such as coal, slate, iron, lead copper, tin, granite, etc., has been estimated at S2 50,O00,OOO.
 We allude to these facts, not that we expect Arkansas to rival the Island of Great Britain in its mineral productions, but to prove the inn portance of the practical application of the science of geology. To the minute and labored geological surveys that have been made of that little spot the development of its mineral wealth is chiefly indebted. It cannot be ex- pected that we could make our survey so min- utely, or appropriate so much money to its pro- secution, but taking the example of the Bri- tish government for our guide, we can at least accomplish as much as our limited means will allow. The amount 1t has expended has been repaid ten thousand fold, and the like result will follow whatever we may invest in the same cause. The mineral resources of our State are yet unexplored, but we have every reason to believe that, in quantity, quality and variety, they are unbounded. The mining interest of Arkansas is destined at no very rem Jte period to be a source of nestimable wealth We are gratfed to be able to state that Dr. Owen is making excellent progress with the sur vey.
 In letter to the Governor, which we have been permitted to read, Dr. Owen says: "While have been making a reconnaissance of the part of Independence county north west of BateovlIle, that part Of lzard northeast of White river and the part of Marion west of that stream, my assistant, Edward Cox, has explored With corps No. 7, the southern part of Law ] renee between Strawberry and Spring rivers, and the southern range of townships in Fulton county. Tomorrow morning proceed to ex- anime the lead region on the western confines of Marion and the eastern part of Carroll, then the lead region on the head of Sugar Loaf and Jimmy's Creeks.
 After these examinations I shall continue the geological reconnaissance through the north ern range of townships, in Fulton and Indepeud. ence; and, if the weather permits, Randolph county also; while my assistant takes the tier of townships immediately south of my line. We have already complete Load of mate- rals and specimens for our winters work in the labratory and office, besides what has already been deposited at Jacksonport, and box sent back from Batesvlle
 Some of the localities explored will be we'll worthy the attention of the miner, manufac- turer, architect and mason. Special attention will be called to these in my report.''
 We give the contents of this letter, as we know they are of interest to our readers. The letter was dated the 3Oth November last, and since then, Dr. Owen, having accumulated enough material. has gone home to work it up in the labratory to obtain information to embody in report. It is the usual practice, where the General Ssem hl n, aat hanpialIv for oaolo ,istc