Biological Survey.—Biology, "The Science of Life," treats of organic bodies and includes botany, zoölogy, physiology, embryology, etc. A biological survey of a state, therefore, is an inquiry into the character of the animal and plant life within its borders. In Kansas no official survey of this nature has ever been made, but early in the '80s Prof. F. W. Cragin undertook a biological survey under the direction of the trustees of Washburn College, with which he was at that time connected. His first report to the trustees was made on Aug. 18, 1884, and related to fishes, lichens, algae, mosses, etc. On Jan. 15, 1885, he made a second report, continuing the subjects formerly treated, with some notes on mammals, particularly the panther or cougar, ferret, mink, Mexican badger, buffalo, several species of bats, field mice, etc., giving some account of their characteristics, habits and haunts. This second report also dealt with fresh water bivalves and mollusca, land shells, mosses and fungi.

By this time Prof. Cragin's work had attracted considerable attention in scientific circles, but unfortunately the means were not available for giving his reports a wide circulation. A third report on March 20, 1885, gave many interesting facts concerning Kansas mammals, fresh water bivalves, reptiles and batrachians, with a second series of notes on Kansas fishes and "The faunal relations of Kansas." On Oct. 18, 1885, Prof. Cragin filed with the trustees a fourth report in which was continued the discussion of mosses and fresh water mollusca, with extensive notes concerning Kansas spiders. Prof. Cragin continued his work in this direction until he severed his connection with Washburn College, and the results of his labors, published in the college bulletins, contain a great deal of useful and valuable information regarding the fauna and flora of Kansas. A later biological survey is now being conducted by the faculty of the state university.