Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1901-02-08
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Value of Geological Surveys to the
State in Developing It's
Resources.
1T Would Show the Existence of Re-
sources Which Would Otherwise
Remain Unknown.

Remain Unknown.
Herald Recognizing the vast i'm
portance of the mining industry in some
form or other, most of the states of the
Union have established geological sur
Weys. The geological and natural his
tory survey of North Dakota was estab
lished at the universityiin connection
with the School of Mines, and by that
act the professor of geology was made
state geologist, ar arrangement generally
adopted by various states. However, no
appropriation to begin the work with
was made until two years ago. Prior to
that time e. J. Babcock, professor of
geology at the university, had devoted
most of his summer vacations for eight
years to geological Investigations of the
state and in efforts to encourage the de-
velopment of the mineral resources.
Two short bulletins we're issued embody-
ing a preliminary report of some of these
Investigations. During six years of this
time the state paid nothing for the work,
the expenses were borne by Prof. Bah
cock, and his time during these vaca-
tions was cheerfully contributed for the
good of the cause. Thus a large amount
of material and data were collected alb
s~olutely without expense to the state.
Had it not been for this fact it would
have been impossible, with the allowance
of only $500 per year for expenses, to
have done the field work aad carried on
the Investigations which have been car
ried on.
The last legislature recognized that
the time had come when the interests of
the state demanded that the work be be-
gun. It therefore made a small appro-
priation, simply enough to organize and
commence the work of geological sur
vey of the state. The survey has been
begun and it is believed the work will
very soon fully show it's utility and econ
omic value to the whole state.
Prof. Babcock has just completed his
first biennial report. and it will be for
warded to Professor Bartlett of the uni
versity board within a few days. A
hasty inspection of the advance sheet
shows that it is an interesting and valu-
able document, and that a vast amount
of information of i~ncalculable value to
the state has already been collected.
The continuation of this work cannot
but be of great benefit.
Something is known of the vast de-
posits of Ignite coal, but it is surprising
how little the immense value of these
deposits is appreciated. The region pos
sessing these deposits should be helped
to a thorough scientific survey, and in
designations should be- carried on for the
purpose of discovering and making
known the best and most economical
methods OF burning these Goals. The
geologist has been over most of the coal
regions during the past summer and
work of this kind has now been begun.
The preliminary results will be published
in his report. A brief account will be
given of some of the beds of rare and
very valuable clays found in the state.
There is no reason why in time large in
dustries cannot be built upon those re,
An important geological study is that
of the water supply of the state. Dur
ing the past two years a study of this
problem has been pretty we'll started by
the state geologist and the results of this
work, which has been carried on in CON
:nection with the United States geologi-
cal survey, will be included in this re-
port. Several hundred samples of water
from different sources and from various
parts Of the state have been examined
and a study Of the geological conditions
made for the purpose of pointing out the
best methods Of regulating the supplies
and uses and for improving the charac-
ter of the water in many regions. Too
much Importance cannot be attached to
such work, since the health, happiness
and prosperity of a community depend
to a large degree upon the water supply.
The geologist wishes it clearly under
stood that this is in no sense a finished
report, but rather only a preliminary
bulletin. 1t has been hurriedly pre-
pared under pressure Of other work and
during the short interval which could be
gotten after the completion of the daily.
q, -. r.F = E-FEl. g = So
duties which deyoiye upon him as pro-
lessor Of chemistry and geology at the
university of North Dakota,
The United States geological survey
has kindly permitted the use, in advance,
lot considerable data from a bulletin
which the professor is preparing on
the water resources of North Dakota
and which will soon be- published by the
United States geological soryey. II the.
preparation of this report much aid has
been rendered IN the analysis DIT speci-
mems and in other work by Miss Bertha
Bisbeet instructor Of chemistry at the.
university. Credit is also given to Miss