The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1913-04-28
TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS.
Schools Are Urged to Make Use of Them
EASY to Enlist Children's Interest.

For teaching the geography OF the
United States in the public schools ana
colleges strong effort is being made
by the United States Geological survey
TO foster the use of the government top.
ographc maps. These maps contain so
many details OF local interest, showing
even the school houses and farm houses
as well as every wagon road, with which
Of course. the school children are famil-
iar. that il is said to be an easy matter
for teachers to enlist the interest of the
pupils in this new type OF school map
From the understanding of the particu-
lar map representing their own localities
il is but a succession OF short steps to
lead the pupils to an appreciation of the
different types of country portrayed on
maps of other sections of the United
States. Most of the standard atlas
sheets of the geological survey of re-
cent issue are printed on the scale OF
mile to / inch. a scale which shows the
physical features of the country in very
interesting detail.
Show Attitudes at All Points.
With these maps the pupils can de-
termine the altitude of their homes and
the steepness of hills and mountains, es-
innate the grade of wagon roads, work
out simple engineering problems such
as the drainage OF swamps, select dam
sites for the construction of reservoirs to
supply water to imaginary towns or Tor
irrigation, lay out imaginary towns or
for irrigation, lay out imaginary trolley
or railroad lines or canals along the most
feasible routes, establish lookout and
signal stations on high points for the
control OF forest fires, and plan many
other similar activities.
Government Will Cooperate with
Teachers.
The geological survey has published
1900 topographic atlas sheets, covering
about 40 per cent. of the United States,
and on receipt OF So from any teacher it
will supply 80 different maps selected
with special reference to the particular
requirements of the class it is proposed
to instruct in this new kind of geo.
graphic study. This selection will in
clude, besides the map covering the area
where the school is situated provided
such map is published, other maps
all the photographic forms to
he found in the United States-seacoast
areas, billy country, high and precipitous
country, swampy areas,
regions OF innumerable lakes, areas
showing dense forests, areas with wood
lands interpreted with many streams,
lakes, and other natural features.
Maps Sold at Nominal Prices.
Ii less than so maps are desired, a
special selection of a less number will be
made on request and furnished at the
retail rate OF 10 cents copy. Most OF
these maps, each of which on the l-mile
scale covers about 225 square miles, or
10000 acres. have been made at cost
for surveying and engraving Of $500 to
81 900 each and the wholesale price OF
s cents apiece covers only about the cost
o. paper and printing II the areas were
and the maps published by a
concern. these maps would
need to be sold for not less than 81 to SO
each The survey also sells an excel
lent wall map about 4 by feet, un-
lin three sectionsl, for 90 cents. |
This may be included in any wholesale
order as part of the SO. Applications
md remittances should be made TO the |
lireetor of the United States geological
survey. Washington, ID. G., who will |
fill all orders.