The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-04-16
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UtnIty Of Geolor,cnl snrr.r.-


10 many It may seem unnecessarv "a say
anything on the utility Of geological sur.
feys, because they have already been tested
and found to be Of great practical value l,v
most civilized countries. Indeed, It 4 i'm.
possible 20 develop the mineral and svri-
cultural resources Of State in an economi-
cal manner without such survey. Every
citizen Of Texas IL more or less interested
in having its mineral and agricultural re-
sources made known, in order that proper
estimate may be made Of the materials an.
pertaining to the State; their extent and
their localities. In regard 30 valuable min
erals, we want 10 know where they may be
found and where we may not expect 70 find
them. This last item is by no means the
least useful part Of the knowledge impaired
by geological survey, for il viii often
save useless expenditure of time and money.
Individual expenditures in the vain search
alter gold, silver, copper, lead and other
useful minerals-to which may be added
coal-are public as well as private losses. be-
cause the entire wealth OF the State chiefly
consists in the sum total OF It's individual
wealth; hence what individuals lose Is so
much subtracted from the whole taxable
property, which adds 70 the taxesof the re.
nlaindef. On the other hand, the discovery
Of gold and silver and other useful minerals
increases the wealth of the State, and also
adds to its sum total Of Individual wealth;
hence all are interested in geological sur
Yey as matter Of economy.
In 1857, during Governor rThrockmorton's
administration, a gentleman from Northern
Texas came TO the geological Office, saving
that he belonged to a company who were IN
search of copper in the region north Of Fort
Belknap, and he wanted 10 know whether
copper in paying quantities might be found
In that country. i told him that IL
might occur there; that large quantities Of
copper were found in Russia and Germany
in q similar geological formation (the per
mian), and gave him written statement
to that effect. This he showed to Governor
Throckmorton, and left to Join his company.
The search was renewed, and large deposits
Of copper found in Archer county. The
copper Of Northern Texas Is proved 10 be
koria millions of dollars, compared 70
which 4he cost GA geological survey is q
trihe But this is only one- item Of the
much good which has already been uone-li,,yr l,yr--
the geological survey Of Texas Il has
made known a portion of her vast resources
In iron; the iron ores Of Llano and Burnet
counties, and those Of Eastern Texas tie
Goals OF Fort Belknap, of Bastrop Of Nj
lam and Robertson counties, have first been
brought to notice by the geological survey.
Not only have we done this, but we have
saved much by testing minerals for in
dividuals.
Every State in the North has had
geological survey OF has one now in pro-
gress and also every one at the South, ex-
ceptlng Florida. Yet there is not one
State east Of the Mississippi which gives
promise Of such vast mineral and agricultu-
raj resources as Texas; nor Is there one
which has derived or can derive so much
benefit from geological and agricultural
survey, properly made, as this State.
II we turn to Europe, we find that geolo-
gical surveys have been made, OF are in
progress, in ali its countries. England has
had one in operation during the last thirty
years; and under her direction a geological
survey of Canada began many years ago,
and is still in progress. The miner must
have the assistance of the geologist and
chemist to determine the value Of his ores.
None of the mining companies in the rich
mining States among the Rocky Mountains
venture TO begin work before careful geoIo-
gical examinations are made.
The survey will make known the aQricul-
tural capacity, and adaptation OF the soil for
particular crops, and disseminate informa-
tion with regard to the best modes Of
cultivating the different grains, grasses,
cotton, sugar, tobacco, fruits, etc.-for
Texas is so large that she has a
climate and soil suited to a more varied
agriculture than any other State cast Of the
Rocky Mountains. Within the last thirty
years the great progress and general diffu-
sion Of agricultural chemistry in Great
Britain and also in New York and other
Northern States has more than doubled the
amount per acre Of their agricultural pro.
ductions, and more than tripled the value
of their lands. Nothing win contribute
moro to draw capital and emigration to
Texas than the geological survey. Only let
Texas be known as she really is, and capi-
talwill come, and people viii come, to the
State.
Texas is not poor. She is rich, rastly-e
rich. Let US exhibit this vast wealth, a
large portion Of which is now dormant, and
people Of other lands viii hasten here and
bring their families and money and assist
Us in managing and improving our immense
estate. s. B. BUCKLEY,
State Geologist.