Correspondence

New York, 1895

The Proposed Geological Survey of Long Island.

To the Editor of the Long Island Farmer:

Since my first communication to the director of the U. S. geological survey in regard to the investigation of the subterranean currents of fresh water beneath the surface of Long Island, I have ascertained that the geological survey proposes to make a more extensive investigation in order to locate the various subterranean currents of the entire Island, including both the north side and the south side, from Brooklyn to Orient Point and Montauk Point. Already the geological survey has completed its survey of Connecticut and the other New England states; also of that part of the state of New York which joins Connecticut. The geological survey of Long Island naturally supplements that work. The theory of the geological survey in regard to Long Island is that beside the currents near the surface, which have their origin in the rainfall upon Long Island, there are also currents below which have their origin in the State of Connecticut and in the bottom of Long Island Sound. These latter currents are believed to flow beneath wide areas of the Island passing out into the Atlantic ocean a considerable distance at sea. It is also believed that these deep down currents contain a large supply of pure water. If this be true it seems that it would be the proper thing to compel the city of Brooklyn to secure its main supply from the lower currents, the water from which would probably rise in driven wells pretty nearly to the surface. Thus the surface currents might be left for the use of the people on Long Island. The importance of this is evident from the fact that even during long periods of drought vegetation on Long Island draws its substance largely faom the evaporation of water twenty and even thirty feet below the surface and perhaps from even greater depths. Besides, as it is well known, the supply of surface fresh water is necessary for the maintenance of our oystering interests.

This whole matter has been a subject of speculation long enough. It is high time that the people of Long Island shall have a full knowledge of the Island down to bed rock, and especially a knowledge of its water currents, a matter of immediate and pressing importance. The work at first will be confined to a topographical survey, and information in regard to wells — especially deep wells. This will constitute the basis of a thorough geological survey which will require for its completion probably two or three years and depend upon adequate appropriations.

Washington, D. C, April 6th, 1895.

JOSEPH NIMNO, JR.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 2.