Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1907-05-31
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
VALUABLE WORK DONE BY DR.,
LEONARD OF THE STATE
UNIVERSITY.
FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT O.
THIS BUREAU SOON TO az
ISSUED.

Grand Forks Heralds An important
feature of the educational system Of
North Dakota, though little known, is
the state Geological Survey, With no
parade or show, with no ambition but
the promotion of science and the in,
terests of the commonwealth it serves
this department has during the few
years since its foundation done inval-
liable service It is a scientific advis-
er to the state, discovering and locat-
ing coal and other mineral deposits.
clays and their values, and other nat
ural resources; determining the flow.
of riversand their power Values natu-
raj facilities for irrigation; values of
fuels, and climatic phenomena. For
the student this work is replete in in.
terest. North Dakota is q historic
arena. The Red River Valley is the
center Of the old Lake Agassiz which
in glacial times covered the borders
of Minnesota and North Dakota to a
depth, in places, of six hundred feet
or more The borders of this prehis-
toric sea are still evident in the west
ward slope the Turtle mountains, and
the stray buttes that dot the valley.
| Twenty years ago this great region
was marked in the Biographies rs
the Great American Desert. Into
these wilds, often preceding the set
tier. the geologist has gone, stalking
out the riches of soil and minerals
and giving to the dwellers of the
state the advice most needed. Liv-
| ing out OF doors, in regions remote
from civilization, exposed to the rig
ors Of climate, at times with no bet
tier company than rattle snakes, wild
beasts, border ruffians or unbroken
solitude, the geologist has worked on,
compiling the records that are to grow
in value as the farmer and the artisan
become more intelligent in their use
North Dakota now has three OF
these volumes, each one treatise of
superior merit. In point OF scholarly
treatment, draughtsmanship, and the
Photographic art. No pains has been
spared to secure faithful and COM
plste report and even to the casual
observer the views shown attest the
merit of the work. These reports
have rendered excellent service, not
lonly within the state but to the fed
eral government as well, and have
materially assisted in the government
surveys and in the efforts to conserve
the coal and other mineral deposits.
| of the state, the reservations and
other federal work These records
are the authoritative adviser to the
department Of the interior in refer
ence to North Dakota. The fourth
annual volume is now in the hands
Of the state printer, and bids fair To-
surpass its predecessors.
| DR.. A. G. Leonard, state geologist.
and professor in the University Of
North Dakota, lis geologist Of ma
tional repute. Before coming to
North Dakota, he had large expert
ence in Iowa, and his reports while
on the Iowa survey are regarded as
classics. In addition to his work as
state geologist, Professor Leonard has
also been entrusted by the federal
government with the compilation 81
the government geological records for
North Dakota. BY reason Of the high
regard in which his abilities are held
by such great institutions as the
Smithsonian Institution and the
United States Geological Survey, the
state Of North Dakota is privileged
to federal aid thereby securing enyi.
able assistance.
Professor Leonard is also an or.
ganizer and wise In selection Of as
sistants. Professors Babcock, state
chemist, and Chandler. state hydro
grapher, have proved the wisdom OF
their selection. Indeed in the organ
dzation OF the state survey, Professor
Babcock was at the head during its
initial year and compiled the first or
this notable series OF reports
"a most commendable feature OF
these reports and one that illustrates
the scope OF. pr, Leonard's plans, IS
the part designed not only as a,iscien.
tific report but also as a popular
statement. 1t Is a part OF his purpose
to bring before the laymen, especially
the public school constituency, the
leading facts concerning the state.
This is commendable and viii be duly
appreciated. knowledge will en-
nance esteem and the rising genera
tion will grow up with an increasing
loyalty for North Dakota, a loyalty
born Of knowledge OF the POSSIBLE
| tiles and destiny Of North Dakota
among her sister states.
E