The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1859-10-25
state Geological ~ntNsy.

To County Sueeyors throughout the S'ofe Of
Mlchigon:
1t has appeared TO me that a portion OF the lr-
climate objects of the Geological Survey OF tie
State, nigh, be promoted by directing the atten-
ton of acting aud former County Surveyors TO
the Topography of their respective Counties.
Your pursuits lead YOU into every quarter OF
the inhabited portion of the State, and often
many miles beyond the limits OF the settlements,
and the nature of your duties IS such, that you
,u,droidIJiy notice the Typographical features OF
the districts you survey. Many OF you are by
this means already placed in possession OF an ac-
curate and detailed knowledge of the topography
of one or more counties. All this information
collected together, with ;h1t which is still readily
obtainable, would constitute mass OF facts Of
immense interest TO our citizens, and TO persons
intending to emigrate TO our State.
The object of this circular is to request YOU tc
prepare written accounts OF the topography OF
your respective counties, to be Transmitted to me-
to serve as material in the preparation OF de
scription of the Physical Geography Of the State
|
cation and eXtapt oC NarsiIc9, Dry IIJiHS, Eoiln2
Land, Lakes, Streams, and deposits Of Peat, Mail
Bog Iron Ore, and other super fetal accUmulltions
The comparative ruggedncss OF rolling and bro
ken regions; the occurrence of mineral springs
or springs oi sweet water o. unusual cOpiOuSness
the prevailing kinds of timber; the color, fine
ness and productive qualities of the sol; whether
Astounding in gravel, sand, clay, or ycsetabl,
matter-these are all characters which it woulC
he well TO embrace iii an account Of the t0pog
raphy of county. II, in addition to this, could
be informed relative to the localities and kinds O
rock occurring in your county; the mineral pro
auctions of interest; fossil bones or any other
fossil remains, yOu would contribute much tow.rJ
q rapid completion of the work which have il
charge.
The only indictment which | can offer thai
should lead you to undertake th, labor proposed
is the praise of that public spirit, aud the sratt
cation of that consciousness vi doing good which
prompt to nearly all the noble deeds that DC
honor to the names of their authors. Every one
however acting on the suggestions of this circu
lar, will receive full credit for the part which ht
shall have performed, in the published reports o.
the Geological Survey; and will thus be enabled
to enjoy the gratitude of his fellow citizens.
1t is earnestly hoped that this circular may
not be put aside for some future consideration
but that the work suggested may be Immediately
commenced The paper Of Mr.. s. 4. Pettibonc
on the Topography OF Washtenaw County, rea,
some time since before the State Historical So
ciety, shows what Coudty Surveyor may do
and might be taken "A model by other Survey
ors or Ex-Surveyors.
Only the impossibility Of addressing you indi
vidualy has caused me TO resort to the publica
ton of circular | hope therefore your persona
interest will be the same as if in direct cofrespon
dence with myself. Shall not see the fulfill
ment Of my expectations in relying upon this ed
ucated class of our citizens.
A. WlNCilELL, Sat, Gto'qyid.