The Geological Survey of Belgium

Abstract

SINCE the publication of our note on this subject (NATURE, vol. xxxii. p. 154) letters have reached us representing both sides of the controversy; but into the controversy itself we do not propose to enter. The question whether this party or that is most orthodox and geologically accurate is not one that greatly concerns the world at large; but all who watch with interest the progress of national scientific undertakings cannot but feel regret that a geological survey which has already achieved such important results as that of Belgium should have been suspended. The Belgian Senate has followed in the wake of the Chamber of Representatives, and the Government is understood to be now engaged in the formation of a new Commission to deal with the reorganisation of the Survey. Meanwhile the field-work is suspended. Geologists everywhere will rejoice if by any means the Commission can succeed in producing better maps and memoirs; but those who are familiar with the publications of the Survey will not be very sanguine as to its success in this respect. They do not need better maps or memoirs, and can only regret that the further progress of the work should have been arrested for this year. The loss of a working season is itself a serious injury. The Belgian authorities would have acted more wisely had they kept the field-work going while they made any necessary investigations as to methods of procedure. We sincerely hope they may see their way to start the Survey again with as little delay as possible.