The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-03-19
METHOD OF SURVEYING.
A DESCRIPTION or THE DEVELOP
NEWT or GEOLOGIC WORK,
An Address Delivered Before the Chs inber
of Commerce by Prof. Chas. -.
Walcott Lat Night.

|
| of the United States Geological Survey.
| spoke last night in the Hall Of the Cham
Der of Commerce TO large body OF BUSH
ness and professional men of Richmord.
His remarks were excellently illustrated
| by storeopticon views
Professor Walcott was introduced by
President s. II. Haw es, of the Chamber.
and the meeting was closed by some
expressions of appreciation and thanks
by Judge George l.. Christian.
After few brief Introductory remarks
descriptive OF the Development OF geo.
logic work in the United States, Profess
sor Walcott described and illustrated the
method of surveying and making topo-
graphic and geologic maps.
As contained in one Of the atlas folios OF
the geologic maps Of the United States.
the Topographic map shows the relief of
the surface of the e. ound-hills. valleys,
rIains. mountains; the drairaSe-rivers.
streams. lakes ponds: the culture. or
work of man-towns, cities. houses. roads,
canals, railroads. political boundaries and
the names applied to the various OBJECTS
mentioned. 1t is the common map mace
much more accurate and showing me
actual relations Of relief of the surface.
the drainage or hydrog faphy ana the
works of man.
ABOUT ROCKS.
The geological map represents inc sur
face distribution OF the various rock lor-
nations; second map the detained
distribution OF the rocks carrying MIN
erals of value: a third map the under
ground structure and relations OF the
rocks so far as known, and fourth
sheet. the distribution In vertical
sections of the rocks, and tho economic
minerals-coal iron. mari. salt, etc. y
short text describes the maps and what
they are intended TO show. y number OF
views of scenery i'm Virginia and Tennes-
see were shown on the screen before the
speaker took up the subject Of the bearing
of the work of the United states survey
I'm the Virginias. He said that of the
~ 45r square miles of Virginia. topogra-
phic naps had been made OF 52fU square
miles, and of 2i.7S0 square miles of West
Virginia, q, 500 square miles. Some OF the
earlier work in the mountain region is
now being resuryeyed as tho detail of the
old map is not sufficient for the repre-
sentation Of the distribution of some Of
the important coal beds upon which de-
velopments arc now being made. In
Southwest Virginia the geologic work has
been completed for over 1909 square miles
of the coal-field. This work has been
extended into West Virginia, i'm the Po-
cahontas region. and will be pushed for
ward during the ensuing field season.
In Northeast Virginia a large area has
been mapped and the Fredericksburg
sheet will soon be published. Other maps
will appear during the year.
WORK FOR THE STATES
h. 4
you of the work of the National Survey.
BY maps and descriptions it informs you
of your great natural resources. 1t gives
you the basis on which to develop and
build local industries. Here il stops and
the State. corporations, or individuals
must Toxic up the local work.
In Alabama, Georgia. North Carolina,
Pennsylvania. New Jersey. etc. the State
employs a Seologist who devotes his time
and that of such assistants as he may
have 10 studying and reporting on the
mineral and natural resources of the ref
gion in his charge.
If we wish to learn of the marbles OF
Georgia. the recent report of the State
Geologist Will furnish accurate, full in
formation. If of the ciays and maris
of New Jersey. the latest report is con-
suited, ETC., etc.
virginia was amorg the first TO in
dusuIdte Sldte geological survey, in |
1885. 1t was sustained FOR few years |
in small way. and then dropped. Penn |
starting "A year later. continued |
the work, and has published over 100 re- |
ports on its geology and mineral re-
The survey of a State containing large |
n neral resources should be continuous |
ara in charge of a man up 10 date, svho |
VII give every year the latest and best |
lnfo rmation OF the States resources and |
The best methods of developing them
Ihen any citizen may feel free TO send |
for examination, TO ask qustions
ana expect information that will lead /
him to 20 on and develop his property, or
10 abandon hopeless undertaking.
There should be In this city a museum
N which any investor, architect or miner
'ould ind synopsis OF the resources
I the state. Not fossil curiosity
mop; but live. wide-awake modern mu-
scum and bureau of information
If the State could thus supplement the
work of the national survey. the great
st possible practical benetit would be
ieriVed frem 1t, and the officers Of the
organization would feel that the citizens
u virginia We're reapng the benefit
II me work of the survey now I'm uro-
,ress. - fa'r:
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