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THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 51 MASSACHUSETTS * There is no State Geologist in Massachusetts and no Geological Survey organization. Such geological work as has been done has been carried on by the United States Geological Survey. Under the IJnited States Geological Survey, between 1881 and 1885, a topographical map of Massachusetts was Snide and the entire State covered. Half the cost of this work was paid by the Commonwealth. At the time this work was undertaken, there was formed a Massachusetts Topographical Commission, and following the topographical survey of Massachusetts, this commission proceeded to determine geographically the positions of the corners of the various boundary lines of the towns within the State, and likewise angle points in the State boundary lines. This work was completed by the Harbor and Land Commission, which succeeded to the powers and duties of the Massachusetts Topographical Commission, about 1907. In 1917 some minor corrections were made by the Commonwealth in the topographical survey sheets made in 1881-1885, and information pertaining to the boundary lines of the towns was added to that map at the time. This work was performed by the Commission on Waterways and Public Lands, which at; that time had succeeded to the powers and duties of the Harbor and Land Commission. This commission in turn was succeeded by the Department of Public Works, and under that organization all topographical survey work within the Commonwealth is now carried out. The Commonwealth is expending about $4,000 per year in extending triangulation systems throughout the State and in making surveys of ponds. It is also cooperating with the United States Geological Survey to the extent of an appropriation of $4,000 per year to secure data on the flow of water in various streams of the Commonwealth. The Depart- ment of Public Works also, in the Division of Waterways, carries on extensive hydrographic survey work along the coast-line in connection with harbor improvements. The organization of the Department of Public NVorks consists of a commissioner of public works, and two associate commissioners of public works, one appointed each year by the Governor for a term of three years. The commissioner is the executive head of the Department. * Information furnished by Frank E. Lyman, Commission of Public Works, March, 1932.