Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1878-08-01
farm ann AoustboIO.
Tie ieo.og.oa. s--7ey c:Ea:.s.

Tie aac.oE:oa. Survey CHAINS.
The time seems TO have come when
the public mind Is gradually turning
10 the importance of careful geologic
al survey of the State OF Maine. We
have had two surveys, both prelimin-
airy aud both interrupted in the midst
of the work. That OF DIR. Jackson, in
1859, was when geology was in its in
fancy as science, vet the influence of
that survey was worth millions to the
State. 1t unfolced it, agricultural re-
sources to al extent never dreamed OF
before, while it directed the energies OF
the citizens in proper channels for nm
folding It's mineral resources. Mr..
Hitchcock and DR.. Holmes added
much TO our knowledge, and introduce
cd the newer classification of our rocks.
The reports Of these two surveys formed
excellent reading matter to not few Of
cur citizens, on the subject of geology.
Unless We except New Hampshire,
the geology Of Maine i more difficult
TO uuraycl than that Of any state in the
Union. The absence OF fossils over all
OF western Maine aud eastern and south
ern New Hampshire renders il exceed
ingly difficult TO ascertain the relative
ages Of the rocks in both States, while
all the rest OF the Union has its geolog-
zeal map distinctly marked out. Prof
Dana was compelled in the last edit
ion OF his Geology, to leave Maine a
blank in his geological map of the
United States.
Fortunately very much has been
done by surrounding states to settle
many yexed questions. Canada has
been engaged in her geological sur
Ney Tor more than quarter OF CEN
fury, aud has traced out the intorma-
ton to our very northern boundary
New Hampshire has vigorously pursued
The same course for several wears, and
her complicated structures has yielded
most important results. New Bruins
wick has been at work many years, and
has shown Us on our eastern border
what are our oldest and what are our
most recent formations. Thus we have
been encircled b. some Of the best geo.
logical talent in the country, and the
work of our survey will largely be that
OF comparisons with the work of these
>tstes and provinces. Hitherto our
State geologisis have begun their work
on the extreme Eastern portion Of the
STATE. This was well, perhaps ncces-
sary, but the next effort should be to
commence on the Atlantic and Wes-
tern borders of the State, and ascertain,
as far as possible the oldest rocks, and
build up our geological system from
these.
The pecuniary considerations Of
such survey, arc not, as it is usually
regarded, what may be discovered in
mines OF the precious metals. This i:
ofyery small account, though it is to bC
hoped the citizens of the STATE will no
be duped to spend their money in th'
truitless search for the precious metals
Within the last fifteen years, chem
zeal geology has unfolded a most valu
able science, which should demand tn,
services OF a man competent TO conduc
this special department. Agricultur
will be the great gamer b. such a sur
vey. a few thousand dollars expende,
on such z survey, not to be overthrow
by the very next legislature, will max
known to us our various resources, an
make us a State rich in its naturs
wealth
Ii is believed that the time has com
when the legislature should give thi
subject its most serious attention
Every thing possible should be done t
unfold our resources of every kind, an
prevent men from leaving the Stat,
but rather to present inducements {
men OF energy and money to come int
the State and add to its wealth and il
population.
Few persons are aware OF the avail
able extent of our hidden resources AN
Of thtir present value. Our exports {
granite amount TO millions OF dollar
and are annually increasing. Main
co nmands the trade in lime on the A
lanic coast, while her immense qua
rie- of slate will yield sufficient to su
p, The wants of the whole natiol
Tuese are not transient productions, bl
such as will give stability TO the labo
ing interests of the State. Anythir
that will stimulate to industry, or a
vertise our resources, should be cherisht
by our legislature. Gradually the di
covery aud working of the preciou
metals will follow. and we, like PEN
s,Iyania may find in due time, as va
liable products beneath the surface
the earth as above it.-N. N. 4.
Leciston journal.