The United States Geological Survey is on friendly relations with the
various State Surveys. Between the Government Survey and the State Survey
of New York, there is direct co-operation. The State Survey of
Pennsylvania has rendered valuable assistance to the Government Survey,
and negotiations have been entered into for closer relations and more
thorough co-operation. The State Surveys of North Carolina, Kentucky, and
Alabama are also co-operating with the Government Survey, and the director
of the Government Survey is doing all within his power to revive State
Surveys. The field for geologic research in the United States is of great
magnitude, and the best results can be accomplished only by the labors of
many scientific men engaged for a long term of years. For this reason it
is believed that surveys should be established in all of the States and
Territories. There is work enough for all, and the establishment of local
surveys would greatly assist the general work prosecuted under the
auspices of the government, and prevent it from falling into perfunctory
channels. Its vigor and health will doubtless be promoted by all thorough
local research.
It may be of interest to scientific men to know that the Director finds
that in presenting the general results, interests, and needs of the Survey
to Congress, and to Committees of Congress, a thorough appreciation of the
value of scientific research is shown by the statesmen of the country.
Questions relating to immediately economic values are asked, as they
should be; but questions relating to sound administration, wise methods of
investigation, and important scientific results are vigorously urged, and
the principle is recognized that all sound scientific research conduces to
the welfare of the people, not only by increasing knowledge, but
ultimately by affecting all the industries of the people.
* * * * *
[THE GARDEN.]