NJDEP - NJGS - First Annual Report of the Geological Survey of the ...

42. Their thickness and geographical range.8. Their mineral and pala_ontological contents.4. Their lithological and chemical character.5. Their application to agriculture, mining, architecture, &c.6. Their topographical features.The discovery of valuable mineral substances; the establishmentof principles which will serve as unerring guides to theirdiscovery and extent ; and the utter uselessness of scarchifigfor them, except in particular geological formations ; the derivation,composition and character of soils; their means of improvementand adaptation to particular plants; the plottingand construction of public works, such as railroads, canals,&e. ; architecture ; great internal improvbments ; determiningthe availability of water courses; establishing the most economicalplans for drainage--thus rendering unhealthy districts,healthy and unproductive lands fertile; mining; and almostevery branch of the arts and manufactures are included in theabove investigations.In order to arrive at the most reliable and thorough resalts,demanded by such investigations) researches in the followingdepartments of practical science are required :. Topographical Engineering.Geology.Pal_eontelogy.Chemistry and Mineralogy.TOPOGRAPHICALENGINEERING.Topogra2Mcal and Geographical Ma2s--Seclfons.The topographical or physical features of a country dependon its geological formations. Wherever there is a change inthe underlying rocks, there is a corresponding change on thesurface, indicating the extent and limits of each formation) andserving as guides to the explorer. The varied aspect of acountry, its mountain scenery, hills and dales, plains, water-NEW JERSEY GEOLOGICAL SURVEY