The United States Geological Survey is on friendly relations with the various State Surveys. Between the Government Survey and the State Survey of New York, there is direct co-operation. The State Survey of Pennsylvania has rendered valuable assistance to the Government Survey, and negotiations have been entered into for closer relations and more thorough co-operation. The State Surveys of North Carolina, Kentucky, and Alabama are also co-operating with the Government Survey, and the director of the Government Survey is doing all within his power to revive State Surveys. The field for geologic research in the United States is of great magnitude, and the best results can be accomplished only by the labors of many scientific men engaged for a long term of years. For this reason it is believed that surveys should be established in all of the States and Territories. There is work enough for all, and the establishment of local surveys would greatly assist the general work prosecuted under the auspices of the government, and prevent it from falling into perfunctory channels. Its vigor and health will doubtless be promoted by all thorough local research. It may be of interest to scientific men to know that the Director finds that in presenting the general results, interests, and needs of the Survey to Congress, and to Committees of Congress, a thorough appreciation of the value of scientific research is shown by the statesmen of the country. Questions relating to immediately economic values are asked, as they should be; but questions relating to sound administration, wise methods of investigation, and important scientific results are vigorously urged, and the principle is recognized that all sound scientific research conduces to the welfare of the people, not only by increasing knowledge, but ultimately by affecting all the industries of the people. * * * * * [THE GARDEN.] THE SUNFLOWERS. [Illustration: FLOWER OF HELIANTHUS ARGOPHYLLUS.]