Economic Geology in the United States

Abstract

A MASS of official publications received from the United States Geological Survey bears striking testimony to the extensive and admirable work which is being carried on by that body for the direct advancement of mining interests throughout the country. During the year ending June 30, 1907, the sum of 308,404l. was appropriated for the survey, and a large proportion of that amount was devoted to investigations of an economic character. The Bulletins published are admirably edited and copiously illustrated with plates and geological maps. The most valuable of the series is Bulletin No. 316, dealing with contributions to economic geology bearing upon coal, lignite, and peat. Special investigations were made to determine the extent of the coal lands remaining in the possession of the Government, and the quality and value of the coal deposits on these public lands. The survey has been giving more and more attention to the subject of coal, both as regards its geological relations and its technology. The brief reports contained in the Bulletin, the object of which is to secure prompt publication of the economic results of the investigations of the survey, have been edited by Mr. M. R. Campbell, and deal with work in the coalfields of Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, Alabama, Illinois, Arkansas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and California.