a hundred years ago) have been provided by their governments with amply endowed veterinary colleges, is beyond all sound reasoning-is, in fact, nothing less than a national disgrace, and justly merits the derision of other nations.

In view of the vast interests involved, and the fearful tribute which is annually extracted from the public by the ravages of epidemic and other diseases among live stock, it is a matter of surprise that no intelligent efforts have been made in the way of prevention. The national government has hitherto confined itself to the gathering of statistics, and the apparent exactness of these provokes the impression that the agricultural department takes particular pleasure in holding up before the gaze of the disgusted sufferers the multiplicity and greatness of their losses. As an expression of a faint feeling of sympathy the report is flavored with a sprinkling of the kind of abominations which we are wont to see paraded in the agricultural press as remarkable specimens of sure cures, propounded by traveling "hoss doctors," cow leeches and town gossipers.

It is but reasonable to believe that a competent head at the Agricultural Bureau, having a due regard for the true interests of the agricultural classes of the United States, in consideration of the vast amounts of capital invested in live stock, and the many and heavy losses to which the owners are constantly and almost helplessly subjected, that such a functionary would long ago have taken steps towards ameliorating these conditions, and thus lessen the losses of this, the largest class of producers in the land. The inactivity in this direction, displayed by this department, warrants a belief that the matters under consideration will be apt to remain in statue quo, unless the National Agricultural congress, now in session, embraces the opportunity of its meeting to frame an appeal direct to the national congress. Not only the press, but the whole agricultural population, would second such a motion.

I have on former occasions, through the agricultural press, and otherwise, called attention to the disastrous consequences that would be certain to follow on the appearance of a pestilence, like the rinderpest, from the want of a sufficiently numerous, able and scientific body of veterinarians in America. Judging from the spread of epidemics, their peculiar tendency to migrate from east to west, over the whole globe, it seems almost certain that some day this country will be visited by such a plague, that will carry havoc among our numerous herds. Our loose and insufficient government regulations, concerning the inspection of live stock, etc., at the various places of embarkation in Europe, (regulations which would certainly not be sanctioned by any other civilized government), sufficiently indicate the facility with which such a plague, when once here, would be apt to devastate the vast herds of our broad land. With the example before us, of the efficient measures in force in all the European countries, it is astonishing to witness the lethargy of our government, its utter disregard of public interests in this direction, and the general outcry from the agricultural population. By neglecting to provide for the present

iments, as indicated in this paper, as well as for future very possible contingencies, the national government does assume a fearful responsibility.

If veterinary science could be placed on a footing in the United States, level with that on which it stands in Europe, and receive the same encouragement and degree of patronage from our government as it receives there, the consequent benefit to this country would be beyond calculation. With veterinary science better cultivated, and the profession placed on a better footing, and becoming more numerous, among the consequences would be a more intelligent management of live stock and rational treatment of diseases, which would save many millions of dollars annually to the country. A radical change in existing affairs is imperative, and the unquestionable importance of this matter warrants a demand upon the national government for immediate action on behalf of the live stock interests of the United States.

With a view of furthering the interests of the farmers and live stock owners of the United States, I would respectfully suggest that, among the resolutions adopted at the present meeting of the National Agricultural Congress, there shall be embodied a call upon the national government for immediate action in the matter of providing by suitable legislative enactments ample and sufficient means:

1. For the establishment and maintenance of a National Veterinary Sanitary Bureau.

2. For the establishment and perpetual maintenance of a National Veterinary College.

The farmers and breeders all over the land, in whose behalf this paper is written, will appreciate your favorable consideration of these matters. They have long and patiently suffered immense losses from the ravages of diseases among their live stock, losses which could have been greatly lessened, if not altogether prevented, but for the apathy and neglect of the authorities whose duty it is to watch over their interests and come to their rescue when need be.

Your favorable consideration of these matters will also materially assist in elevating the veterinary profession of the United States to the social position in society which it has long occupied among other civilized nations, to which it is justly entitled, and for the attainment of which the efforts of its most distinguished votaries in the United States have hitherto been in vain.

GEOLOGICAL REPORT OF INDIANA.

E. T. Cox, State Geologist.

The Geological Report for 1876-77 will contain an account of the Lower Silurian rocks of southeastern Indiana, embraced in the counties of Dearborn, Ripley, Ohio, Switzerland and Jefferson; illustrated by a section extending from Cincinnati, Ohio, to St. Louis, Missouri. This section shows the sequence of all the geological epochs found in the State and the conditions under which the strata were laid down up to the close of the coal measures; a general account of the Niagara and Devonian rocks in Randolph, Madison, Jay and Grant counties; a detailed survey of Crawford, Harrison and Wayne counties, accompanied with maps and a number of sections illustrating and defining the boundaries of the geological formations in each county. A complete list of the fossils found in the lower Silurian rocks, and a list of the fossils found in this formation at the locality of Richmond.

The report on Crawford county will include an account of Wyandotte Cave, and its companions, Seibert's and Saltpetre caves. These caves are situated near Blue river, four miles north of Leavenworth. Wyandotte Cave is one of the most pleasing and imposing subterranean grottoes known to the world. In extent it is but little less than Mammoth Cave, of Kentucky. While it lacks the subterranean streams that are so attractive in the latter case, it is far superior to it in the number of large chambers, with grand step-like domes and in its gypsum and calcite ornamentations. Foreign and home tourists consider their wanderings incomplete unless they have visited Niagara Falls and Mammoth Cave, but let me assure them that, though

its praises have been less sung, the Wyandotte Cave holds a high rank among the natural wonders of the world, and stands, in this respect, by the side of its Kentucky rival.

The economic minerals have been carefully noted in their proper places. The Glacial Drift has been traced into Ripley and Ohio counties, where it lies in great force, and contains a small sprinkling of gold dust and the accompanying garnets and magnetic sand. This drift was also traced for some distance on the Kentucky side of the river. Here it is about one hundred feet thick, and is formed of boulders of lower Silurian and Archean rocks. This fact is of great importance, as geologists have been loth to believe that glaciation extended so far South.

Notice is taken of the character of the soil, growth of timber, and the quality of the crops grown in each county. The analytical work embraces a number of analyses of limestones, cements, coal, potable and medicinal waters.

An extended account of the antiquities of Wayne, Randolph, Madison and Dearborn counties, accompanied by seven plates containing illustrations and sections of many of the most remarkable ancient earthworks and mounds, and an address to the State Archæological Society, which embraces a general history of the subject.

From this short synopsis of contents it will be seen that the report is replete with varied and important studies of the natural history of the State.

The State Geologist has been assisted in the preparation of this report by Dr. G. M. Levette, and Prof. John Collett. Mrs. Mary P. Haines contributes a list of the Lower Silurian fossils found at Richmond. Mr. S. A. Miller, of Cincinnati, Ohio, author of “American Palæozoic Fossils," has very kindly furnished a complete list of Lower Silurian fossils. The well known ability of this able paleontologist renders this list of incalculable value to students and collectors. Prof. John McPherson, of Richmond, and Judge Overman, of Tipton, have furnished maps, notes and observations on the antiquities of Wayne county.

METEOROLOGY.

1877.

GENERAL REMARKS ON METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS, MADE AT THE SIGNAL SERVICE WEATHER OBSERVATORY AT INDIANAPOLIS, IND., 1877.

JANUARY.

Highest mean during 1877 and great range of barometer. Steady cold weather until nearly the end of month, when a high temperature caused greatest monthly range during 1877. Highest temperature 58°, lowest 11° (below zero). Temperature below zero occurred on the second, third, and fourth. Precipitation mostly in the form of snow, but amount small. Maximum velocity of wind during month 20 miles per hour.

FEBRUARY.

Mean high and range of barometer large. The barometer attained its highest reading during 1877. Temperature generally mild. Highest temperature, 63°; lowest, 20°. Precipitation smaller than in any month of February since the commencement of Signal Service Meteorological Observations at this point. Only six rainy or snowy days occurred during the month. Thunderstorms passed on the first. Maximum velocity of wind, 20 miles per hour.

MARCH.

Barometer attained its lowest reading during 1877. Range of barometer large. Temperature cool throughout AG. Soc.-25