PREFACE.


and in some cases form the main contribution, possess an intrinsic
value of their own.
Part III is designed to furnish, in a convenient and compact
form, such immediately practical information as may be serviceable
in detecting and utilizing native resources. The intelligent public
has learned from the remarkable developments that have in recent
years sprung from what were at first regarded as purely scientific
facts and principles, without so-called practical utility, that the high-
est real value often inheres in a full and exact development of truth,
regardless of immediate appaIent value, for the deeper values cannot
usually be foreseen. Yet this does not remove the need for informa-
tion more directly and immediately relating to the utilization of
native products. The chapters of this part are to be taken in con-
nection with the ampler descriptions of the resources to which they
relate in the body of the report.
The typical fossils of Wisconsin formations are quite largelyV
illustrated by newly prepared figures, the originals of which are
mostly to be accredited to Prof. Whitfield, who is not, however,
responsible for the reproductions. In illustrating the life of eras
not represented in Wisconsin formations, but essential to a con-
nected sketch of geological progress, a considerable number of
figures have been reproduced from the excellent works of Dana
and Le Conte, to whom acknowledgments are due. A few have
been chosen from other accredited sources. The figures of birds,
introduced to illustrate the types of the several families, are mainly
from the admirable work of Baird, Brewer and Ridgway. The
mechanical execution of the above is to be accredited to the Levy-
type Co. of Chicago.
The table of contents and index have been prepared by Mr. R. D.
Salisbury, who has also rendered much other assistance in the
preparation of the report.
The excellent mechanical appearance of the work stands to the
credit of the printer and lithographers whose signatures appear on
a preceding page.
The hearty thanks of the members of the Survey are again ten-
dered to all -and their name is legion - who have so kindly and
generously assisted in numberless ways in the prosecution of the
work.
There arises here, also, a sad remembrance of losses. Four names
are sorrowfully recalled and again recorded in deferential regard -
Lapham, Eaton, Strong and Nicodernus.


* -