The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1906-01-11
A REPORT OF INTEREST.

lstratlve report i'll which the oper-
atiOns of the Survey during 1904
and 1905 are discussed. The Sur
vey was originally organized by
act ofthe General Assembly of 1906
and consists of two divisions. The
Geological Division is occupied in
the preparation of topographic, geo.
logic, and agricultural soil maps
as in making magnetic determina-
lions, stream measurements, and
forestry Investigations. The High
way Division is engaged in the
construction of county highways,
II making tests of materials to be
used on the streets and roads
throughout the State, and in sur
veying State properties.
During the past two years the
topographic surveys Of Baltimore,
Somerset, Wicomico, Dorchester,
Caroline, and Queen Anne's coun-
ties were made with the counties
earlier covered a complete three
! quarters of the State. This topo-
graphic map is on the scale of one
mile to the inch and shows all
streams, roads, and houses, as we'll
as the relief of the land, and fur
nlshes much needed map for all
economic, industrial and military
purposes.
Following the completion of the
topographic base map the geologi-
cal formations, agricultural soils,
and forest areas are plated, and
maps accompanied by explanatory
texts issued. The results ofal1 of
this work are of great practical
benefit to the State, and the re-
ports and maps which theMaryIan d
Geological Survey issue have been
extensively reviewed in trade and
acknowledgements both in this coun-
try and i'll Europe, and are consid-
cred by all second to none issued
by any similar organization. Gold
medals were awarded the reports
and maps both at Charleston and
St. Louis. The Survey takes great
pride i'll the high standard it has
maintained in its publications and
the universal recognition which its
work has received.
The State Geological Survey al
so has direction of the Highway
work under the State Aid High
way Act which was passed in 1904,
by which the State meets one-half
the expense "o1 macadamized or
OF teltord or of other stone road,
or of road constructed of gravel,
or of other good materials, in such
a manner that the same will be,
with reasonable repairs thereto, at
all seasons of the year firm, smooth
and convenient for travel when
such road is built under the plans
and specifications Of the Survey.
Contracts have been already let for
1915 miles OF such road in IA coun-
ties and 23,I5 miles were built by
December 81.
Good modern roads may seem
expensive, but they are really far
less so to the public than bad high
ways. The roads which the State
of Maryland is constructing are
costing no more than similar roads
in other States, and they will prove
permanent investment tor our
people. 1t is far more economical
in the long run to build structures
which require but a small amount
for maintenance than to do cheap
temporary work that will constant
ly require repair, to say nothing of
the comfort and pleasure to be de
rived from good work, and of the
great reduction in the cost of re- !
pairs to vehicles and in the trans
portation of freight over smooth,
dry, well graded roads. The i'm
portance of good roads is quickly |
made apparent in the increased |
value of real estate and in the i'm
provement Of all conditions sur
rounding country life. AS His
EXcellency, the Governor, says in
his message: There is nothing
which the State can do which will |
be of more lasting value than the |