Sometime after the discovery of massive deposits of the Cretaceous chalk in the northwestern portion of the state the question arose as to the adaptability thereof-- whether this calcareous material might be considered of any practical value and if so what means should be taken to reduce it preparatory to its application. Certain initiatory steps were undertaken towards determining these points but as yet but little has been done. Chemical analyses have been made of the rock and test shafts put down in order to ascertain the thickness of the beds, but further development has never been attempted
