The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1876-01-19
TmE GEohoGIsT on TEXAS.
Pertinent suggestions as TO Chonge.
DALAI. lannary u. 1870.

DALLAS, January II, 1870.
10 the Editor OF the lIeIadi
In view OF the intimate relation
which geological survey OF the State
bears to the development of Its mate
rial interests, IL IL Mt this time Of much
Importance 10 inquire what hns thus
far been done IN iurIherance of this
OBJECT II IL the aim of a geological
survey OF the state 10 ascertain the eN-
tent and value OF lts mineral resources,
aud 10 Suggest the proper methods for
their development for the COMMON
benefit OF the people. II II be asked
what has been accomplished up to this
time, II IL djliculutD find Il satisfactory
answer, though In cXlenuation, 1t may
perhaps be said that the great extent
Of the country, as well as numerous IN
hercnt difficulties, has hitherto pre-
scented very serious obstacles 10 thor
0ugh and satisfactory examination.
There H., no doubt, much good reason
In this explanation, and the same
causes may continue to operate IN the
future.
Geology IL branch Of Natural
Science, and may be studied aud prac-
tlcolly applied 10y itself yet for the
most satisfactory Investigations, II re-
qures the cooperation Of an acquaint-
ance with botany and zoology.
The main questions which present
themselves to the geolOglst in his re-
searches are the same W. those which
the study Of botany or Zoology en-
counters. Whoever labor5 in either
field must understand The cause of each
| phenomenon, be able TO form cOnrlu-
sions from internal and external
structures, and determine the kind and
order of each constituent rs we'll as the
history of its organization and cOnnec-
lion with the whole earth; he must
also be familiar with the continuous
changes, both past aud present, caused
by the physical processes Of the or
gauiG world What results may be oh.
tanned through an intimate acquaint-
ance with geology, botany and zoology
on the part Of naturalists, during theiI
travels in different countries, Is eXem-
pllied by the celebrated works of Hum.
boldt, Agazziz, Darwin, Hooker and
others.
For these reasons, the office of State
Geologist should be changed into that
of State Naturalist. BY this means
not only those parts capable of cutiva
ton, and the mineral wealth Of the
State would be made known, but alst
facts pertainingto plants and animals
50 intimately related to the culture anC
settlement ola cOuhtry. Furthermore
the general progress and education o
the people would bo greatly stimulated
by the collection Of materials for {
State Museum or the higher grade o
schools F 4 EH .Ht..a
In u scientific aspect such an office
would be of the highest importance fol
the following reasons: r
The geographical position Of Texas
is such that the three grand divisions
of the continental animal and vegeta
bic Kingdoms meet within its limits
Such places are of the utmost impor.
Z lance to science, and since the larger
part of this State is In this respect still
wholly unknown, there remaius vas
field for the researches of the skilled
and industrious naturalist whom TIT
, good sense of our Legislature may Sc
lect 70 ill this important Office. XXX