The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-11-03
6special Corresnondence.1

general topography of the Bad Lands
region in North and South Dakota,
Montana and Wyoming has been pur-
sued during the past summer by the
United States geological survey. The
object of this work is two-fold; first,
to ascertain the means for securing
supplies of water in the arid regions of
that immense tract of country, the
area of which is nearly as great as
that of New England. All over this
vast region are excellent grazing lands,
which may be utilized by the American
stockmen, but which are almost i'm
possible Of utilization at present, ex-
cept in sections adjacent to running
streams of non-alkah waters. The gov
eminent is investigating the question
to ascertain the possibilities for secur-
ing artesian wells for furnishing water
supplies.
The survey has also prosecuted the
work as part Of the plan of the gov
eminent to prepare a general topo-
tire United States. Many sections of
the country east and west have already
been examined and mapped by the ge-
illogical survey, and the work of color
ing and binding these maps in. atlas
form is a part of the general office
work of the survey. II will be remem-
bered that a year ago Senator Cannon
of Utah suggested the construction, on
a tract of several hundred acres near
Washington, of a ground map of the
United States. Officials of the geologi-
cal survey say that such a ground map
would be one of the best methods of
study, for an American who desires to
understand the character and resources
of his country, that could be provided.
The work already accomplished by the
geological survey would furnish a large
part of the information necessary to
make such a ground map. The maps
already made by the survey show the
general topography of the region COW
cred, the water courses, mountains and
lowlands, timber belts, and from the
geological Investigations colorings are
made on the maps showing the min
eral resources under the earth's sur
face.
During the past summer F. II. New
ell, chief photographer of the bureau,
and n. n. Darton, one OF the biologists
of the survey, spent several weeks in
the Band Lands investigating the sit
uation with a view to ascertaining the
possibility of obtaining artesian wells
In the country adjacent to the Black
Hills, and particularly in the Bad
Lands to the east of the mountains. In
discussing the work performed during
this summer the officials say that as a
necessary preliminary. to the work of
the biologists, a careful Typographical
survey has been made of the Black
Hills region. Topographic maps have
been made showing the location of the
streams. roads, towns and houses in
the. region already covered, and in adj
dition to these features the relative al
titude of the surface at different points
is given, and also the elevation above
sea level. 1t is believed by the officials
that when the maps are completed with
4 colorings necessary, the cattlemen,
western country can determine by ex-
animation of these charts where water
can be obtained, and what the probable
cost will be for sinking wells when it is
known by the explanation Of the geo
logical formation how deep drilling
must go in order to obtain water.
The work which has, therefore, been
accomplished has resulted in more than
a thousand topographic sheets, repre-
senting portions Of nearly every state
in the Union. Following the compile
ton of the topographic work the geolo.
gists are taking the maps into the
field and coloring them in accordance
with the findings as to geological for
nations, when they will be ready for
final issue.
1t is stated by the bureau officials
that as result of the publication of
the report upon the water supply of
the region about Pueblo, Colo, and the
Arkansas River valley, great develop
ments have taken place, and many in
dividuals and towns have secured am
pie supplies of excellent water. 1t is
hoped by the officials that similar re-
suits will follow in all sections of the
semi-arid water region of the country.
and this is specially desirable in such a
region as the Bad Lands. where there
are so many acres of desirable graz
ing lands. It is hoped that either the
national government or the wealthy
cattle owners can be induced to put
down test wells on public lands or In
dian reservations. While biologists can
predict in a general way the character
and thickness Of the rocks to be pene-
Jrated by the drill, yet as he. proceeds
farther and farther from known locali-
:. ties there arises greater need for occa-
Eional confirmatory tests.
4 The annual report OF the superin-
ttendent of the Yellowstone park. a
brief synopsis Of which has been given
to the press, will soon come from the
printer. From advance sheets furnish
ed by the courtesy of the secretary OF
the interior, The Herald's correspond
stract of the game and fish to be found
in the park:
Antelope are yet numerous. The
snow drives them from the mountains
and high plateaus, their feeding and
breeding ground in the spring and sum-
ner. to the lower attitudes outside OF
the park, where many are killed
Bear are plentiful, and have proved
destructive to the stores of the detach-
cts
campers. If they continue to increase
in the future as in the past some
means viii have to be taken to rid the
park of the yearly increase. They are
numerous at the garbage piles of the
hotels, and are objects of much inter-
est and enjoyment to the tourists
There are probably 80 buffalo yet in
the park. They are not increasing
This is about the only herd in the
United States. and steps should be
taken to prevent the determination OF
this herd from the evils of in-breeding
by the purchase OF a few good bulls
Full and ample protection is given
these animals and it is believed that
with new stock introduced into the
herd an increase would follow.
Deer are numerous and on the in
crease. and the protection afforded
them has done much to make them very
tame. They are frequently seen by
tourists along the usually Travelled
iroute.
\ Elk are numerous and are increasing
THE park is their breeding place iu
spring and feeding ground in winter
Immense herds can be seen in nearly
every direction in winter, and in GER
tain localities in summer.
What DR.. a. E. Salter Says.
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