Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1880-01-25
THE GEOLOGICAL suRvEY.


work to be Performed, and Hts
Boundaries.
Some months ago it was our pleasure to
furnish the SENTINEL readers, q brief and
succinct recount Of the formation and or
ganizatioD Of the U. 8. Geological Survey.
This we did, not only from the general in
terest we have in practical science, but also
from the gratifying fact that Mr.. Clarence
King, $50 favorably remembered by us), the
Director, had selected our mining district
as q field to receive the first attentions Of
the new bureau. Who we're to have imme-
date charge Of the work here, was amatter
Of little concern or interest; it was sufi-
cient to know that whom Mr.. King should
select, was a guarantee of the best results.
As a base for representation Of geology
and mineralogy, it is requisite that the
topography should be first obtained, and
for this purpose there has been a party at
work, through the autumn months in the
field, and now in the Office, computing and
d~raughting. We propose giving evident
results to date.
The limits Of the survey have been de-
termined. These may be best presented
by saying that the southern and highest
peak Of the Diamond range will he the
northeast corner, making the northern
boundary to pass bon one mile north OF
the Willows; the eastern boundary will be
across tile lower ranches ON Pinto creek;
the southern boundary will be over the
highest peaks of the Fish Creek range, and
the western boundary will be through the
fiat west Of Antelope valley. Thus about
four hundred square miles will be the area
of the survey. The topography will be
represented by fifty-feet contours, more
plainly described. perhaps, by saying lines
Of equal elevation which water lines would
represent at each fifty feet of elevation.
In obtaining this data, definite location is
made of all natural and artificial objects
of any prominence; and their elevation,
both relative and absolute, determined.
These determinations, both horizontal and
vertical, of the more important objects,
such as hilltops, divides, outcrops, min
ing monuments, furnaces. hoisting works,
water tanks, tiagstaffs, ETC., will be accur-
ate, within a possible error of one foot, and
will be plated ON such scale as to make
them Of practical use. Should the work
now be stopped, enough determinations
have already been made to at least come
within the requirements of good surveys,
and enough locations for reference as to
initial points to meet any present demand,
over the more important section to be in
cluded in the survey.
A great practical value of these deriva-
tions will be the making possible fewer
complications, and, consequently, less dis
pute as regards boundaries. In addition
to this general typographical work, Mr..
King proposes a special detailed and mi
mute survey of probably three quarters of
= square mile, which shall include Ruby
Hill and vicinity.
We have spoken. more particularly
OF the topography; simply from the
reason that, so far, that has been the
only work done, save a reconnaissance
OF the mines by Mr.. G.. +. Becker, the
Mining Geologist. and a general examina-
ton, now in progress, by Mr.. G.. X. Gill
bert, the Geologist. We are assured that
both the mineralogy and geology will be
as exhaustively investigated and deter
mined as possible; and Of the developments
in either branch we will inform our read
ers as they are ascertained.
From the meteorological data being OBJ
tanned, we trust also for much of practical
advantage, both of climatic conditions for
general information, and Of daily value
from pefusal Of our daily bulletins and
also hope or'derivstion OF storm laws and
a resultant application to our local con-
dition aud convenience.
That the condition Of our district, in
the opinion of the most able min
ing expert Of the age, Mr.. King, war
rants him in intention to make so
thorough and comprehensive a survey
as is contemplated, is very tiattering, and
to us the most conclusive evidence of a
prospective brilliant future. Its effect upon
our prosperity may be dedueed from the
fact that the most exhaustive survey ever
undertaken will have been done, not by
private enterprise, but under and by the
authority Of the United States Government;
hence, without bias. The conclusions will
be accepted by capitalists as unouestion-
able the deductions as authentic. More
particularly will this survey establish our
reputation abroad, the capital from which
being conservative, demands solid evidence
before investment, The fact, too, that the
reports, maps, diagrams and material OF
this special work will be published as q
monograph, will enhance its importance
as a matter of reference, aud increase its
consideration as IN object Of standard
merit.
We congratulate ourselves upon the favor
OF Director Clarence King, and with a
hearty and sincere wish that his fondesr
hopes in our behalf may be realized, ex-
tend to him the good will and cooperation
Of the citizens Of Eureka.