The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-03-29

few points Ike New Bern. Raleigh.
Charlotte and Ashevile. TO determine the
rate OF variation from year to year. but
this latter work would be readily done
by the general government without cost
to the state.
As to the cost of a magnetic survey
like the one outlined above. IL Is esti-
mated hat about S0lo per county Will
bear all expenses connected with the
determination of the true north and
south lire. the determination OF the
istence OF causes OF &eal variations. and
the erection OF meridian posts. tof gran
ite.)
This work should be undertaken in
North Carolina at once because. In the
first place. Il: is something which Is great
ly needed. and In the second place. IL can
be done cheaper and better just now
than X could have been done at any
time in the past or than 10 could proba-
bly, be done at any time in the near fu-
ture. owing 10 the fact that during this
year the services OF one OF the most
thoroughly trained experts and a full
equipment of the most expensive and ac-
curate instruments can be secured free
of charge except a sufficient amount 10
cover the actual travelling expenses and
other incidental expenses. II Is eStimat-
ed that the work can be done during
this year in about fifty counties.
This matter OF a survey,
while of importance to the state at large.
yet Is chiefly a matter OF concern TO the
several counties that have largely the
control Of the surveying. and II is in the
several counties that the cost of litf-
CATION and trouble arising from imper-
fectly surveyed boundary lines must US
ually be borne. Hence Ii is in the sew
eral states where this work has been I'M
dertaken il has been the custom OF the
counties to bear all the expenses connect
ed with the work. In order to aid and
encourage this work in North Carolina
however. the state has agreed TO coop
crate with the several counties TO the
extent of bearing one-half of the total
| expenses incurred in connection with the
| determination of the true north and south
| line and the erection of meridian posts
to permanently mark this line near each
| county seat.
A number of counties have already &C
! cepted this proposition. Mr.. ]. B.. Bay
I; lor. the expert from the United States
| coast and geoGetic survey, Is already In
| the state, and the work has been begun.
| 1t is believed that at the April meeting
| of the boards of county commissioners
provision will be made enabling the work
to be undertaken in a number OF addi-
| tional counties. 1t will hardly be posi-
| bic to complete the surveys In more than
| fifty counties during the present year.
| AS far as practicable the work will be
! taken up in the order in which the coun-
| ties accept the proposition. And the cost
! will depend somewhat on whether We go
1 from one county 10 that adjoining II or
| skip from one county to another some
| distance Away.
neither the government expert nor the
| supply Of costly and accurate instru-
ments. and hence, If North Carolina is
to keep up with the ether portions of the
| country in this march Of progrerss. 1t
is important that We move in this matter
at once. Yours truly.
j. A. HOLMES.
State Geo,ogist.