The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-08-26
REPORT OF THE STATE GEoLoGIsT.
Geology and Natural History of Indiana The
Thirteenth Annual Report.

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nearly four hundred pages Of text, and contains
thirty-nine plates of photographed fossil
plants, mellusca, corals and crustacea with a
grand total Of four hundred separate figures.
In bringing out this valuable publication,
Professor Collett has been assisted in the de-
tailed field work by Ryland 7. Brown, NJ. D.,
who made the survey of Morgan county, DR..
Moses N. Elrod, who made the survey of Rush
county, Rev. D. S. McCaslin, who made the sur
vey of johnson county, and Dr. A. J. Phinney,
who made the survey of Grant county. In the
reports on these counties, these gentlemen have
pointed out the physical and geological features
Of the country; called attention to the econom-
ical value of the minerals and their agricultural
! resources.
The State Geologist, besides attending to the
duties Of his Office, has given detailed survey
of Posey county. In addition to this he has
been called upon to make special trips to various
parts of the State.
In his report on Posey county he notoniy calls
attention to its rock formations, agriculture and
general resources, but he likewise recalls to our
memory the many distinguished scientists who,
in the pioneer age of geology, made the town Of
New Harmony, in this county, their home. and
from whence they sent forth many publications.
containing the record of their scientific labors to
instruct and benefit the world Among the dis
tinguished names mentioned are William
Mcclure, G. A Leseur, Thomas Say, DR.. g.
Troost, Dr. d. D. Owen, Prof Richard Owen
Prof. E. T. Cox DR.. Norwood, Henry Pratten
A. q, Worthen, F. B. Meek DR.. B. F. Shu-
mard, Major Sidney Lyon, j. H. McChesney
James Sampson and others
It matter Of no little interest to know that
William Mcclure as early as 1872 made and
published a geological map Of the United States,
on which is laid down the formations with marvel
Gus accuracy. The present geologist is struck
with wonder at the extent of Maclure's re
searches and the general accuracy with which he
delineated the rocks that form the Appalachian
chain at SO early period in the history of sci
ence Thomas Say published at New Harmony
his illustrated work on the insects Of America
and his American conchology the figures Of
which were engraved there by G. Tilbout
The few pages devoted to outline geology
show the extent and limit Of the various
formations that comprise the geological history
of the State It is accompanied by a map,
already reviewed at length in the Journal,
in which is delneated the area and outline Of
formations, made prominent by contrasting
colors. The making of this map must have re-
quired large amount of labor and study, as it
brings together the observations of the preced-
ing and acting biologists, and presents to the
eye, on single sheet, an accurate view of all
the formations that make the rocky coast of the
State. 1t will commend itself to the people and
the teachers in our colleges and public schools
AS to economic geology attention has been
given to every species Of mineral that can be
made useful and profitable to the citizens;
among the most important are the claws for
brick and drain tile clay for encaustic tiles, and
fine porcelain, fire brick etc. The fine porcelain
clays (kaolin) are noted as Of special value on
account of their pure white color, freedom from
iron and their great Elasticity
The report shows that Indiana is particularly
fortunate in the possession of immense quarries
of durable stone for foundations, side walk flag
ging and superstructures. The elegant and
costly residences on Fifth avenue New York of
VIM. ]. and Cornelius Vanderbilt and the hand
some business block recently erected by the Mu-
tual Life Insurance Company, corner Of Cedar
and Nassau streets, New York, are built Of the
oolitic limestone of Indiana. The deliberately
carved columns and decorations SO much adj |
mired on the latter building were all wrought |
ready for the mason by the artistic carYers and |
sculptors at Bedford, Ind This stone has also |
been used to construct important public build |
u. 4
Louis, Chicago, Philadelphia indianapolis and |
other cities The courthouse and the State |
house, the latter now under construction at In |
dianapolis, are Of this stone, as well Roberts
Park Church and many other edifices.
The State Geologist has been at much pains to |
bring together in tabulated form the analysis
of Goals from all the coal fields west of the Allie
gheny mountains, so far as it has been possible |
to procure them. In this table, which is very
complete so far as the Goals of Indiana are con-
cerned, is contained column of calculated heat
units, and shows the relative value for steam
and heating purposes. From a study of this
table the consumer may assure himself of the
superiority of some of the Indiana Goals over
those of adjoining States No other Western /
State report has made SO complete an exhibit of
analyses Of its Goals.
About one hundred pages Of the paleontolog-
ical part of the report are devoted to the
principles of vegetable paleontology, by Profess
sor Leo Lesquereux This venerable scientist
has devoted a long and industrious life TO the
study OF living and fossil plants His report is
accompanied by TWENTY-FIVE plates Containing |
195 figures of admirably engraved fossil plants.
These figures are compiled from his numerous |
publications, inaccessible to the general student
and here, Tor the first time brought together in |
a single work, which must prove a great boon to |
the citizens, teachers of public schools and stu
dents throughout the State
There is an elaborate report on the fossil mol
lusks, corals and crustacea. found in the coal
measures, by G. A. White, M D. paleontolo-
gist to the United States survey II contains 4
full description Of this extensive and highly in
teresting fauna illustrated by seventeen plates
and 265 excellent figures. Dr.. White has in
this department brought together history of
the extinct animals Of the coal epoch. SO far
as they are known at the present time
and like the work of Professor Les.
quereux, it cannot fail to be highly
appreciated by every seeker after knowledge.
The well-known ability Of Dr.. Whiss1S grves to his
work the stamp Of reliability and the assur-
ance that his deductions are carefully made
Altogether the thirteenth volume Of reports is
one of great merit and value to the people of the
State, and we feel assured that the State Geolo
gist will receive the hearty thanks of his fellow
citizens for furnishing them so praiseworthy
volume at trifling cost to the State
comparison of the cost Of surveys in Indiana
with those of other States will show that the
work has been performed here at minimum