Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-16
But he wrote his verses gladly
His friend required of him.
And having done his duty.
From out its home OF clay.


To Canaan scared away.
The conservation movement is develop
ing q series of inquiries concerning the
public resources of the country and is
foresters. biologists and other scientific
experts. This is clearly indicated by the
demand for teachers of the scientific
branches in the different institutions of
the country. In conversation with one of
the highest authorities on the subject
concerning the opportunities for young
men in scientific work. he said:
Praises Pioneer Biologists
at is largely due to the. work of pioneer
biologists that America ranks SO far
ahead of other nations in the quantity
and value Of it's mining output. In the
practical application Of geology the most
numerous and varied openings are in the
service Of the United States geological
survey. That bureau has for its function
the investigation of the character. distri-
button and economic uses of mineral re-
sources. Three branches eXist-geologic.
photographic and technologic. Probably
between four hundred and five hundred
scientists are employed, and the majority
OF those re TO some extent biologists.
The geologic branch prepares reports and
maps to indicate the distribution and ex
tent of valuable mineral deposits; the
photographic branch studying the amount,
character and availability of waters in
surface streams and in underground stra-
ia; the engineers of the technogolic
branch Investigate the strength of build
ing materials, the utilization of fuels and
the efficiency and safety of mining meth
DDS. Surely. the work of the geological
survey is public service of great i'm
portance to the country and of strong
attraction for energetic young men, who
secure appointments through the civil
service examinations
"Thirty-eight states have bureaus of
similar character Many of them are
conducted by state universities and en-
.pioy but few men. Others. like the state
geological survey of Illinois. have large
fields of activity and employ many men,
whose work may include geologic investi-
cations proper, reclamation of arid and
swamp lands. studies of mining methods.
highway construction and uses of various
mineral products. Six state surveys have
been organized under new chiefs during
1909 and many changes have been made
in staff appointments. this indicating the
demand for trained men in state employ
Private consulting practice with min
ing organizations. railroads and industrial
corporation attract many geoogists d.
rect from the universities or from the
various survey organizations. Until re-
Gently this work has been chiefly In the
study of ore deposits. growing de-
mand, however. for expert knowledge of
coal. oil. gas. water, clay and cement
for private practice. While young
man may find opportunities in geological
work, he must realize that as rule the
financial return is small as compared to
that offered by many other professions
Indeed, unless the work appeals to him
for it's own sake, he would do well to
turn elsewhere This does not mean that
geologist must suffer privation. but
that only a fairly comfortable living is
assured.
Promises Advancement.
The teaching profession is most easily
entered at salaries from s1,OG0 to 5000
per year. Those rising above that maxi
mum do so because of fortunate situa
tons or the combination of administra
ton with teaching. The United States
geological survey recruits its men by
strict civil service examinations. A man
of promise. after serving a year or two as
assistant can find opportunity for indie
pendent work and may rise in annual
salary from $1,000 to S2.4OO. Positions
paying more than this are chiefly Of an
administrative character. State surveys,
for the most part, pay salaries slightly
below those of the federal bureau. except
where the WORK requires specialists. Men
are engaged direct from the universities
or from other surveys. Much state work
is done during vacation seasons by uni
versity teachers or advanced students.
Private work usually requires capital:
though occasionally an attractive salaried
post on is obtained. The highest finan-
cal returns probably lie in that field.
The breadth of opportunity in the pro-
fession varies greatly. The United States
survey employee has a chance for much
travel, either in the states, Alaska or the
island possessions. He is likely to be-
come a specialist. State employees, as
rule. have less chance to specialize. but,
N become pff1CI6nt
many aspects of the work. Field work
of either job makes for success in teach
ing if one can take up teaching early in
life.