428 FIRST REPORT UPON MAGNETIC WORK

On the other hand, it is possible that rocks are not the only cause
of regional disturbances. But as soon as we find a [magnetic] ridge
line, the first rational tiling to do is to look for a geological fact which
may be connected with it. And if we knew all that is hidden from
us, it is probable that we should often find a connection. " Another
interesting outcome was the indication that marked disturbances in
magnetism will most likely be found on ocean areas as well as on land
areas.

An elaborate magnetic survey is just about to be executed for the
North German provinces at a total cost of about $12, 000. Five years
are to be allowed for its completion, and work is to be begun this
summer (1897) under Professor Eschenhagen's direction.

Enough has been given to prove that by undertaking similar work
in this country we are simply keeping in touch with a general move-
ment that is manifesting itself most actively in the civilized world
to-day. We are at last beginning to recognize that in our eager and
impatient endeavor to unravel the mysteries of the celestial regions
we have shamefully neglected the terrestrial mysteries, of which we
have manifestations every moment. The science of our earth is still
in its infancy, and the astronomer has been made painfully aware of
the fact that more attention must be given to the study of the physical
history of the planet we inhabit. There is every evidence that a
reaction in scientific thought in this regard has set in that is bound
to grow, and it simply behooves us to put ourselves in line with this
onward movement.

In conclusion, let us briefly refer to the history of magnetics in this
country, so that we may form some opinion as to the place to be
ascribed in the development of magnetic surveys in this country to the
magnetic survey of Maryland.

The earliest attempt at a detailed state magnetic survey appears to
have been made by Professor Alexander Dallas Bache in 1840-43,
just before he was called to the superintendency of the Coast and
Geodetic Survey. He called his survey a " Magnetic Survey of