Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-05-06
GEOIOGy 0F THE vJpGINIAs reprint

Il. u.
| To be had of the Book Stores.
Late years have witnessed much pro-
gress in the investigation of the physical
resources of Virginia and West Virginia
The prime purposes which stimulated en-
terprise have been with the view OF profl-
table investments in developing coal and
| iron. In the explorations for hldden
treasures, the wonderful displays OF nature
in the earth's crust have with revelations
from the concealed depths furnished
themes for scientific and practically-lnorm-
ed men whose contributions 10 this de-
partment of current literature strike the
uniformed with astonshment. But
their devoted labors in science and IN
the wide fields of knowledge, ell
compassed by geology, find predecessor In
research, and none before or since lis equal.
All, with one accord, esteem Prof. W. b
Rogers as the most learned, aud the original
beuefactor of his times, in placing before the
world the unknown resources stored away
in labyrinths and treasure-houses by the.
Creator for the good of his creatures; not
only for the diffusion of practical and dali
ly blessings, but as we'll to furnish man
kind with the means for its large share in
directing organized governments, with the
influences which great natural wealth
should exercise.
In our early history, Mr.. Jefferson, more
than any other, kindled zeal in behalf OF
development of the resources of the State.
Passing from the time when he discussed
such matters, there appeared at intervals
in the Farmers Register, edited by Ed
mund Ruffin who wrote the first treatise ON
the calcareous manures Of the tide-water
country, articles on that deposit, with an
analysis of them, by Prof. VIM. B. Rog-
ers of William and Mary College.
In 1888, Peter A. Browne, corresponding
secretary Of the Geological Society of
Pennsylvania, addressed a communication,
20 the then Governor of Virg mia, Hon.
John, Floyd, giving notes of observation,
AIKEN by him when making geological
excursion through portion of this State
| He commenced near the head-waters of the
Potomac, passed to Winchester aud follow
ed the course of the Valley to the Natural
Bridge. Retracing his steps to Staunton,
he passed west to the mountains through
Jennings gap, visiting the springs and,
returning to Staunton, passed to Charlottes-
vile; thence to Richmond and down james
River to its mouth. He had made for
mer exploration to Wheeling. He cod
cluded his review as follows
81 d. assure you, sir, that although my
anticipati)ns were far from being meagre,
| was astonished at the vastness and varie-
ty of interesting objects in that department
of natural history, that were constantly de-
Weeping themselves, inviting the mind of
man to rejection, and his hands to indus
try, and displaying at every step the wis
dom aud beneficence Of the CREATOR"
Thereupon Mr. Browne, mentioning the
fact that he had no personal acquaintance
with the Governor, determined to suggest
the expediency of Typographical, geolo-
gical, mineralogical and psychological sur
vey of the State.
Seaing already that this article will be
Of more than usual length, we are restrain
ed in the desire to make other extracts
| from the communication of Professor
i}rowAe. especially wherein his copjectures
| and his reasoning on the resources of Vir-
ginia have become fulfilled prophecy.
| During the session of the Legislature OF
| i834-35, memorials from the counties of
| Morgan, Frederick and Shenandoah were
presented, asking for geological survey
| Of the State. They were referred to a Sc
lect committee, and an able aud lengthy
ceport rs made wieh bill giving effect
to the objects of the memorialists. In the
first section Of the report occurs the follow
ing significant language:-
SIN looking to the examples of other
countries as well us several OF our sister
States, it would appear that groat practi
cal importance is attached to the geologi
cal and chem cal inquiries which they have
respectively instituted. In conjunction
with extensive aud minute Typographical
surveys many of the governments OF Ed
rope have set on foot sy stematic and detail
ed inquiries into the geological features
and mineral resources of their respective
domains
As the progress of this important move
ment is unfolded, it is plain to be observed
that genius directs it. Tradition associates
Professor Rogers with the roluction of
the report which cleared the way for action
a preaching unanimity by the Legislature
and with one Voice thu learned professor
wa; called to the direction Of the work
His first reporb was transmitted by Cover
lor Tazeweil to the Legislature, January
1886. With it was map exhibiting a
croft e and physical section of the country
from tide-water to the Ohio. Thus. ami
4lly, he continued to furnish his reports
tnd sections illustrating the evidences of |
bis wonderful revelations OF well5h and |
dormant power Of the State, in her varied |
and enormous resources. His demonstra
lions of actual reality more than vindi-
lated the conjectural estim ties of all pre-
yious writers, and filed his enthusiastic
mind with the glowing truths OF his own
conceptions.
At this point we should like to make
reference to the gentleman who composed
lis staff, and introduce extracts from his.
CRY associated with his labors, lu5 70,
'easons already stated we must pass on.
The extent and value Of the publications
an be estimated when il is stated that the
'olume is more than 800 octave pages, sol
ID minion letter, and that eight large
plates, ninety-six sections, and Hotchkss's
geological map of the Virginias, (the same
which Professor Rogers colored for him to
'ppear with his Summary OF Virginia pub
ished in 1876, accompanying it in side
pockets. The Whole is completed for the Ii
'rary and he field, thus meeting the demlnd
every enquiring mind. The sections
ppear now for the first time from the orig
ial manuscripts Of Professor Rogers
.iaJ. Hotchklss, who was entrusted with
ne work, states that they are executed in
he highest style Of the art by the celebrat-