1. Geologic Ages Represented in the United States—Estimate of geologic time. Characteristics of the particular ages in this locality. Volcanic action and its effects, with local illustrations. Action of water.
2. A Geological History of the Local Region as Far as It Can Be Constructed.
3. Fossil Remains of Plants and Animals in the Neighborhood—Contents of local collections and museums described.
4. Value of Local Rocks and Soils—Use of rocks for building, for roads, for chemical purposes. Analysis of soils and description of their best use in agriculture. Defects of local soils from the agricultural standpoint, and the remedy for them.
Books to Consult—Dana: Manual of Geology. Shaler: Outline of the Earth's History. U. S. Geological Survey. (Get local reports.)
Discuss the importance of interesting the school-children in the local geology. What excursions may they take in the vicinity for this purpose? The value of making collections for school or town use is also a suitable topic. Are there readable books on geology in the public library, and are they read? In preparation for this meeting the chairman may obtain literature from the Secretary of Agriculture in Washington, on soils, and what can be done to improve them.
III—WATER IN NATURE
1. The Distribution of Water on the Globe—Water in prehistoric times. Geological action. The Ice Age. The unceasing circulation of water: clouds, rain, streams, etc. The coloration of water (blue lakes, green seas, brown streams, etc.).
2. The Ocean—The open sea. Movement of tides. Famous tides. The beach: sands, pebbles, shells, seaweeds, etc. The surf. Ocean traffic. Lighthouses and lightships.
3. Lakes—The great lakes of the United States. Differences between them. Their commerce. Small lakes. Great Salt Lake. Lakes in Maine, Wisconsin, Canada, the Adirondacks, etc. Ponds. Famous ponds (Walden, etc.).