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By Alec M. Crowell, Harry P. McClintock

Production of oil and gas condensate from the 45 oil and gas fields of South Arkansas increased for the eighth consecutive year, the production for 1943 being 27,605,647 bbl. Six new pools were discovered during 1943, bringing the state's crude oil and condensate reserve to 475 million barrels, a net increase of 70 million barrels for the year. The gross increase in proven reserve was 98 million barrels, from which, of course, is subtracted production of approximately 28 million barrels to reach the net figure of 70 million barrels. There were 35 more wildcats in 1943 than in 1942, and 29 more wells were drilled in fields of the state. Sixteen companies operated exploratory crews during the year for a total of 677 crew weeks, divided as follows: 563 weeks seismograph, 111 weeks gravity and 3 weeks core drill. There was a decided increase in gravity work and a decrease in seismic work. The year started with 15 seismic crews and ended with 5 seismograph and z gravimeter crews. Geologically, it is interesting that the number of wells bottomed in Gulf, Comanche, and Jurassic strata were near equal for the year 1943. During 1942 Jurassic was much higher than the other two. However, Jurassic still led in wildcats for the year 1943. Abandoment of wells in the stripper areas of the state reached about the same figure for the year 1943 as for the year 1942; that is, 145 wells were permanently abandoned. However, 243 wells were drilled in 1943, as against 184 for the previous year. The completions for the year were divided into 103 dry holes, 137 oil and condensate wells and 3 dry gas wells. Among new developments perhaps the most significant was the pressure-main-tenance project for the Midway field of Lafayette County, which is utilizing fresh water as the maintenance medium. This is the first fresh-water pressure-maintenance operation during primary production of an oil field in the United States. The operator of the project, Barnsdall Oil Co., estimates that the ultimate recovery of oil from this field will be increased from 32.5 to 65 million barrels. The Midway pool is of the dissolved-gas type, but a similar project is getting underway for the Magnolia field, Columbia County, a pool of the gas-cap and water-drive type. Dual completion of wells, on concurrent production from two productive zones through a single well bore, became common practice in South Arkansas during the year. As the year ended, some 50 wells had been dually completed and it was estimated that the first 37 of these wells represented a saving of more than 2 1/4 million dollars and a saving in steel of 7000 tons. The majority of the wells dually completed were those reaching depths in the neighborhood of 9000 ft. below the surface and initially productive there. Selective completion at lesser depths in the same well bore proved mechanically feasible and economically sound. The year was marked by the successful completion and placing into operation of three large natural-gas desulphurization

Jan 1, 1944

By Harry P. McClintock, Alec M. Crowell

Production of oil and gas condensate from the 45 oil and gas fields of South Arkansas increased for the eighth consecutive year, the production for 1943 being 27,605,647 bbl. Six new pools were discovered during 1943, bringing the state's crude oil and condensate reserve to 475 million barrels, a net increase of 70 million barrels for the year. The gross increase in proven reserve was 98 million barrels, from which, of course, is subtracted production of approximately 28 million barrels to reach the net figure of 70 million barrels. There were 35 more wildcats in 1943 than in 1942, and 29 more wells were drilled in fields of the state. Sixteen companies operated exploratory crews during the year for a total of 677 crew weeks, divided as follows: 563 weeks seismograph, 111 weeks gravity and 3 weeks core drill. There was a decided increase in gravity work and a decrease in seismic work. The year started with 15 seismic crews and ended with 5 seismograph and z gravimeter crews. Geologically, it is interesting that the number of wells bottomed in Gulf, Comanche, and Jurassic strata were near equal for the year 1943. During 1942 Jurassic was much higher than the other two. However, Jurassic still led in wildcats for the year 1943. Abandoment of wells in the stripper areas of the state reached about the same figure for the year 1943 as for the year 1942; that is, 145 wells were permanently abandoned. However, 243 wells were drilled in 1943, as against 184 for the previous year. The completions for the year were divided into 103 dry holes, 137 oil and condensate wells and 3 dry gas wells. Among new developments perhaps the most significant was the pressure-main-tenance project for the Midway field of Lafayette County, which is utilizing fresh water as the maintenance medium. This is the first fresh-water pressure-maintenance operation during primary production of an oil field in the United States. The operator of the project, Barnsdall Oil Co., estimates that the ultimate recovery of oil from this field will be increased from 32.5 to 65 million barrels. The Midway pool is of the dissolved-gas type, but a similar project is getting underway for the Magnolia field, Columbia County, a pool of the gas-cap and water-drive type. Dual completion of wells, on concurrent production from two productive zones through a single well bore, became common practice in South Arkansas during the year. As the year ended, some 50 wells had been dually completed and it was estimated that the first 37 of these wells represented a saving of more than 2 1/4 million dollars and a saving in steel of 7000 tons. The majority of the wells dually completed were those reaching depths in the neighborhood of 9000 ft. below the surface and initially productive there. Selective completion at lesser depths in the same well bore proved mechanically feasible and economically sound. The year was marked by the successful completion and placing into operation of three large natural-gas desulphurization

Jan 1, 1944

By H. K. Shearer

There is little of importance to be added to the production record of south Arkansas, north Louisiana and Mississippi as a result of developrnents during 1931. No discoveries of any probable commercial value were made, and the only additions to proven acreage were extensions to the Zwolle producing area. " Includes 29 parishes: Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldacll, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Rich-land, Sabine, Tensas, Union, Vernon, Webster, West Carroll and Winn. Tables I and 2 show the number of wells completed in 1931 in 25 counties of south Arkansas and 29 parishes of north Louisiana, with the

Jan 1, 1932

By William H. Spice

The year 1942 in the South Central Texas area was marked by a sharp curtailment of exploratory drilling as compared with the past several years. In the 33 counties that compose this district, 17 of which are nonproducing counties, only 51 exploratory wells were drilled during the year 1942. This compares with 118 exploratory wells drilled during 1941, or a decrease of more than 50 per cent. At the end of the year 10 active exploratory wells were drilling in this area, as against 19 being drilled at the end of 1941. Of the exploratory wells drilled, two brought in oil wells and were new field discoveries and one was a gas well extending a recently discovered shallow gas area in the western part of the district. This compares with five new oil fields, one new . gas field and two extension wells drilled in 1941. Both new field discoveries were small and in areas outside of the general trend of the main producing horizon of the district in Edwards limestone: One new field, the Imogene, in Atascosa County, is a deep Edwards limestone prospect at 7500 ft., and the other new field, the Poth, in Wilson County, is a sSEa110w Wilcox (Eocene) prospect at 4000 ft. Subsequent drilling in each field to the end of I942 has proved disappointing. There were no new discoveries along the old Balcones fault-line trend, although 35 of the exploratory wells were drilled in counties along this trend. Approximately 38 wells were drilled in or adjacent to the proven fields of the district, of which 18 were oil wells, 2 were gas wells and 17 were dry holes. The district produced 6,186,178 bbl. of oil during 1942, which was a 7 per cent decrease under production for 1941. Approximately 4,961,000 bbl. of this total production, a slight increase over 1941, was produced by the four Edwards-limestone fields, Luling, Branyon, Salt Flat and Darst Creek, and the rest of the production came from the other 42 active fields in the district. During the year, 20 new producing wells were completed and 221 wells were abandoned in the producing fields. This alarming excess rate of abandonment~ over completions will be further reflected undoubtedly by a further decreased rate of 1943 production under 1942. Two active fields in the district in which more than one producing well was completed during the year were Bee Creek and Washburn. The majority of exploratory work in the district was confined to areas along the Wilcox trend, with a certain amount in progress along the deeper Edwards limestone trend. The successful completion of sevemi wells in the Washburn field from multiple sands in the Lower Wilcor (Eocene) has stimulated exploratory work along this trend, while the completion of a small well in the Imogene field from the Edwards limestone at 7500 ft. has renewed interest in this horizon at depths greater than generally are producing in the district. New Fields ounty. ble Oil and Refining Company's No. I

Jan 1, 1943

By William H. Spice

The year 1942 in the South Central Texas area was marked by a sharp curtailment of exploratory drilling as compared with the past several years. In the 33 counties that compose this district, 17 of which are nonproducing counties, only 51 exploratory wells were drilled during the year 1942. This compares with 118 exploratory wells drilled during 1941, or a decrease of more than 50 per cent. At the end of the year 10 active exploratory wells were drilling in this area, as against 19 being drilled at the end of 1941. Of the exploratory wells drilled, two brought in oil wells and were new field discoveries and one was a gas well extending a recently discovered shallow gas area in the western part of the district. This compares with five new oil fields, one new . gas field and two extension wells drilled in 1941. Both new field discoveries were small and in areas outside of the general trend of the main producing horizon of the district in Edwards limestone: One new field, the Imogene, in Atascosa County, is a deep Edwards limestone prospect at 7500 ft., and the other new field, the Poth, in Wilson County, is a sSEa110w Wilcox (Eocene) prospect at 4000 ft. Subsequent drilling in each field to the end of I942 has proved disappointing. There were no new discoveries along the old Balcones fault-line trend, although 35 of the exploratory wells were drilled in counties along this trend. Approximately 38 wells were drilled in or adjacent to the proven fields of the district, of which 18 were oil wells, 2 were gas wells and 17 were dry holes. The district produced 6,186,178 bbl. of oil during 1942, which was a 7 per cent decrease under production for 1941. Approximately 4,961,000 bbl. of this total production, a slight increase over 1941, was produced by the four Edwards-limestone fields, Luling, Branyon, Salt Flat and Darst Creek, and the rest of the production came from the other 42 active fields in the district. During the year, 20 new producing wells were completed and 221 wells were abandoned in the producing fields. This alarming excess rate of abandonment~ over completions will be further reflected undoubtedly by a further decreased rate of 1943 production under 1942. Two active fields in the district in which more than one producing well was completed during the year were Bee Creek and Washburn. The majority of exploratory work in the district was confined to areas along the Wilcox trend, with a certain amount in progress along the deeper Edwards limestone trend. The successful completion of sevemi wells in the Washburn field from multiple sands in the Lower Wilcor (Eocene) has stimulated exploratory work along this trend, while the completion of a small well in the Imogene field from the Edwards limestone at 7500 ft. has renewed interest in this horizon at depths greater than generally are producing in the district. New Fields ounty. ble Oil and Refining Company's No. I

Jan 1, 1943

By William H. Spice

Exploratory drilling in South Central Texas for the year 1944 showed a marked increase over that of 1943 and resulted in a similar increase in new fields discovered. In this area, which comprises the 30 counties included in district No. I, Oil and Gas Division, Railroad Commission of Texas,? 61 exploratory wells were drilled during 1944 as compared with 29 exploratory wells drilled during 1943, or an increase of over 100 per cent. Three new oil fields, two new gas fields and one gas-distillate field were discovered during the year, as compared with one new oil field and one new gas field discovered during 1943. These new fields were the result of exploratory drilling throughout the district along the Wilcox trend and the deeper Edwards lime trend, which was started during the previous year. The Wilcox trend yielded the new Loma iilta-Wilcox oil field and the San Caja gas-* tlistillate field, both in McMullen County. The Charlotte field, in Atascosa County, was discovered along the deeper Edwards lime trend. These three discoveries were of considerable importance and subsequent development should indicate the desirability of continued exploration along these trends. The other three discoveries, United oil field in Guadalupe County, Pederson gas field in Milam County and Van Cleve gas field in Zavalla County, were of minor importance. Charlotte Field, Atascosa County, was discovered by the Humble Oil and Refining Company's No. 3 Pruitt, completcd on Aug. 9, 1944, flowing 176 bbl. per day, 3/16-in. choke, 710 lb. tubing, 475 lb. casing pressures, 37.7º A.P.I. gravity, from the top of the Edwards lime from 6917 to 6923 ft. Two oil wells were completed during the year in this field. This discovery is 14 miles southwest of the same company's Imogene field, also producing from the Edwards lime but with considerable difference in reservoir characteristics. The discovery of this field is the result of surface geology and subsequent seismograph survey of the area. Loma Alta-Wilcox Field, McMullen County, was discovered by the Atlantic Refining Company's No. I Atkinson, completed on June I, 1944, flowing 102 bbl. per day, 9/64-in. choke, 1900 lb. tubing pressure, 37º A.P.I. gravity, from Wilcox sand from 6866 to 6869 ft. after being drilled to a total depth of 7185 ft. This discovery is the result of subsurface geology and an extensive seismograph survey of the entire area. Sun Caja Field, McMullen County, was discovered by Edwin M. Jones No. 2-C Ezzell, completed on June 2, 1944 as a dual completion in the Wilcox sands, flowing 1,740,000 cu. ft. gas with 53 bbl. distillate, 1/4-in. choke, 2035 lb. tubing pressure, 53.2º A.P.I. gravity, from sand 6416 to 6453 ft. and flowing 2,000,000 cu. ft. of gas with 127 bbl. distillate, 1/4-in. choke, 2500 lb. tubing pressure, 50º A.P.I. gravity, from sand 6889 to 6916 ft., after being drilled to a total depth of 7264 ft. Three gas-distillate wells were completed during

Jan 1, 1945

By William H. Spice

The area on which oil and gas development is reported covers 30 counties, which are included in the Texas Railroad Commission's District No. I. This area not only includes the old established Balcones fault-line group of producing fields but also includes the southwest extension of this trend and some of the deeper Wilcox (Eocene) exploratory development. (Fig. J.) In the old Balcones fault-line zone, three new fields were discovered during 1941. These fields are comparatively small, producing from Dale limestone or Austin chalk. No new fields were discovered during the year in the Edwards (Lower Cretaceous) limestone horizon. One new shallow field was discovered in the Reklaw (Eocene) sand horizon and, in the southwestern part of the district, one oil field and one gas field were discovered in the Navarro (Upper Cretaceous) sand horizon. An extremely important extension was made to the one producing Wilcox (Eocene) field of the district in the Washburn Ranch field of La Salle County. The district produced 6,650,357 bbl. during 1941, which was a 12 per cent decrease under production for 1940. Approximately 4,954,000 bbl. of this total production was produced by the three Edwards limestone fields, Luling, Salt Flat and Darst Creek, the remaining production coming from the other 43 active fields in the district. In all, 3694 wells were producing at the end of 1941, compared with 3559 wells at the end of the previous year. During the year, 139 new producing wells were completed and 29 wells were abandoned in the producing fields. The increase in producing wells represents an increase in new wells over abandonments in these fields, together with a decrease in wells temporarily shut down as of the end of 1941. The majority of production drilling was carried on in the following fields; Bee Creek, Chicon Lake, Elm Creek, Gas Ridge, Pearsall and Tenney Creek. Approximately 250 wells were drilled during 1941, of which 110 were exploratory wells completed as failures throughout the district. Considerable exploratory work was continued during 1941 along the Wilcox trend. Geophysical work employing various types of geophysical methods and leasing activity was continued along this trend, particularly by the major companies. The significance of this activity is apparent from the successful extension and development in the Washburn field of La Salle County, where several well-developed gas-and-oil producing horizons have been developed in the lower Wilcox section between 5100 and 5600 ft. as noted in the following paragraphs. Continued exploratory activity along this general trend as far as present conditions will permit is predicted for 1942. New Fields Elgin Field, Bastrop County.—No. I-A Hiram Walker, Marts and Beaven, Inc., discovery well of the Elgin field, was com pleted on Apr. 22, 1941, in broken Austin chalk from 2820 to 2840 ft., pumping 105 bbl. per day, 36.8°A.P.I. gravity. The well apparently is producing from a crevice in

Jan 1, 1942

By William H. Spice

The area on which oil and gas development is reported covers 30 counties, which are included in the Texas Railroad Commission's District No. I. This area not only includes the old established Balcones fault-line group of producing fields but also includes the southwest extension of this trend and some of the deeper Wilcox (Eocene) exploratory development. (Fig. J.) In the old Balcones fault-line zone, three new fields were discovered during 1941. These fields are comparatively small, producing from Dale limestone or Austin chalk. No new fields were discovered during the year in the Edwards (Lower Cretaceous) limestone horizon. One new shallow field was discovered in the Reklaw (Eocene) sand horizon and, in the southwestern part of the district, one oil field and one gas field were discovered in the Navarro (Upper Cretaceous) sand horizon. An extremely important extension was made to the one producing Wilcox (Eocene) field of the district in the Washburn Ranch field of La Salle County. The district produced 6,650,357 bbl. during 1941, which was a 12 per cent decrease under production for 1940. Approximately 4,954,000 bbl. of this total production was produced by the three Edwards limestone fields, Luling, Salt Flat and Darst Creek, the remaining production coming from the other 43 active fields in the district. In all, 3694 wells were producing at the end of 1941, compared with 3559 wells at the end of the previous year. During the year, 139 new producing wells were completed and 29 wells were abandoned in the producing fields. The increase in producing wells represents an increase in new wells over abandonments in these fields, together with a decrease in wells temporarily shut down as of the end of 1941. The majority of production drilling was carried on in the following fields; Bee Creek, Chicon Lake, Elm Creek, Gas Ridge, Pearsall and Tenney Creek. Approximately 250 wells were drilled during 1941, of which 110 were exploratory wells completed as failures throughout the district. Considerable exploratory work was continued during 1941 along the Wilcox trend. Geophysical work employing various types of geophysical methods and leasing activity was continued along this trend, particularly by the major companies. The significance of this activity is apparent from the successful extension and development in the Washburn field of La Salle County, where several well-developed gas-and-oil producing horizons have been developed in the lower Wilcox section between 5100 and 5600 ft. as noted in the following paragraphs. Continued exploratory activity along this general trend as far as present conditions will permit is predicted for 1942. New Fields Elgin Field, Bastrop County.—No. I-A Hiram Walker, Marts and Beaven, Inc., discovery well of the Elgin field, was com pleted on Apr. 22, 1941, in broken Austin chalk from 2820 to 2840 ft., pumping 105 bbl. per day, 36.8°A.P.I. gravity. The well apparently is producing from a crevice in

Jan 1, 1942

By Michel T. Halbouty

South Texas, one of the world's important oil and gas-producing areas, continued to hold interest during 1939 as another scries of new fields and new producing levels was developed within its boundaries at a fairly continuous rate throughout the year. There were 1801 wells drilled in this area in 1939, compared to 1678 in 1938; of these, 1515 were drilled in established fields, or as extensions to proven areas (semi-wildcat), and 286 were drilled as rank wildcats, in search of new production. Among these rank wildcats, 22 produced oil, 7 produced distillate and gas and 257 were abandoned as dry holes (see Table 5). Of the 1515 field and cxtension wells, 1213 produced oil, or distillate and gas, 50 produced only gas and 252 were dry; 38 found new productive sand levels in proven ficlds. Jim Wells County led this district in discoveries, having had 9 new fields arid 9 new productive sands found within its border during 1939. Most activc of the 1939 discoveries were Reynold?; and Ben Bolt fields in Jim Wells County and Minnie Bock field in Nueccs County; among producing fields the most activc were: East White Point and Aransas Pass (McCampbell). Production from South Texas in 1939 totaled 55,105,506 bbl. against a total of 56,152,122 bbl. produced in 1938. South Texas should continue its present rate of developrnent and exploration and this should result in the discovery of many fields in its numerous oil-bearing zones, and should also lead to more knowledge of the possibilities of its deeper horizons, such as the Mt. Selman and Wilcox formations; with the latter holding particular interest at the present time. Tide Water Associated Oil Company's A. M. Bruni No. I, Cole-Bruni field, Webb County, the deepest well drilled along the Mirando trend, was carried to 8959 ft., where it started to blow out from a Wilcox sand topped at 8954 ft., making gas, distillate and mud under heavy pressure. After the well was killed, drill stem beeame stuck and was cemented in place in order to test a Queen City (Mt. Selman) sand logged from 5620 to 5675 ft. This and other shows found in other wells along this trend, but out of this district, have served to increase the importance of this but little explored Sparta-Wilcox trend of South Texas during the year, and more activity along it is to be expected in the near future.

Jan 1, 1940

By Michel T. Halbouty

South Texas, one of the world's important oil and gas-producing areas, continued to hold interest during 1939 as another scries of new fields and new producing levels was developed within its boundaries at a fairly continuous rate throughout the year. There were 1801 wells drilled in this area in 1939, compared to 1678 in 1938; of these, 1515 were drilled in established fields, or as extensions to proven areas (semi-wildcat), and 286 were drilled as rank wildcats, in search of new production. Among these rank wildcats, 22 produced oil, 7 produced distillate and gas and 257 were abandoned as dry holes (see Table 5). Of the 1515 field and cxtension wells, 1213 produced oil, or distillate and gas, 50 produced only gas and 252 were dry; 38 found new productive sand levels in proven ficlds. Jim Wells County led this district in discoveries, having had 9 new fields arid 9 new productive sands found within its border during 1939. Most activc of the 1939 discoveries were Reynold?; and Ben Bolt fields in Jim Wells County and Minnie Bock field in Nueccs County; among producing fields the most activc were: East White Point and Aransas Pass (McCampbell). Production from South Texas in 1939 totaled 55,105,506 bbl. against a total of 56,152,122 bbl. produced in 1938. South Texas should continue its present rate of developrnent and exploration and this should result in the discovery of many fields in its numerous oil-bearing zones, and should also lead to more knowledge of the possibilities of its deeper horizons, such as the Mt. Selman and Wilcox formations; with the latter holding particular interest at the present time. Tide Water Associated Oil Company's A. M. Bruni No. I, Cole-Bruni field, Webb County, the deepest well drilled along the Mirando trend, was carried to 8959 ft., where it started to blow out from a Wilcox sand topped at 8954 ft., making gas, distillate and mud under heavy pressure. After the well was killed, drill stem beeame stuck and was cemented in place in order to test a Queen City (Mt. Selman) sand logged from 5620 to 5675 ft. This and other shows found in other wells along this trend, but out of this district, have served to increase the importance of this but little explored Sparta-Wilcox trend of South Texas during the year, and more activity along it is to be expected in the near future.

Jan 1, 1940

By James J. Halbouty, Michel T. Halbouty

Drilling activity in the South Texas area, which includes the South Corpus Christi and Laredo districts, showed a marked decline during 1941 from that of the preceding year. The rate of new discoveries, however, 'compared favorably with exploratory results of 1940 because of the many new productive sands opened in existing fields. South Texas completions for 1941 were about 12.3 per cent below the 1940 figure, compared with an increase of approximately 5.5 per cent in the total number of completions in the United States during 1941 over the 1940 total. During the year, 1452 wells were drilled in this area; of these, 1205 were drilled in or as extensions to the proven fields, and 247 were rank wildcats drilled in search of new producing pools. The comparable 1940 figures were: 1320 field or extension wells and 336 rank wildcats, a total of 1656 completions. This represents a decline in 1941 of approximately 8.7 per cent in proven-area wells, and of about 26.5 per cent in rank wildcats. It must be stressed that wells that were considered rank wildcats at the beginning of operations, but which opened production later classified as additions to existing fields, are not regarded as rank wildcats in this and previous annual reports on this same area. These wells are classified as semiwildcats (Table 2). There were 13 new oil or distillate fields and 4 new gas areas opened during the year, as listed in the next column. This listing represents a decline of 32 per cent from the 25 new areas found during the previous year, and to a great extent can be attributed to the 26.5 per cent decline in wildcatting. The rate of new discoveries based on the 247 wildcats was 14.5 to I, which compares somewhat unfavorably with the 13.4 to I ratio obtained in 1940 (Table 5). Dry wildcats totaled 230. The proof of the prolific character of the South Texas area as a source of petroleum reservoirs is to be found in the fact that of the 1205 field or extension (semiwildcat) wells completed during the past year 61 opened production from new sands or found crude in formerly distillate-producing sands. The 1940 total of 1320 such wells accounted for 50 horizons that provided either new production or crude in distillate sands, and in this respect the 1941 rate of discovery shows to greater advantage, the ratios for new sands being 19.7 to I for 1941 and 26.4 to I for 1940. The 1205 field or semiwildcat wells completed in 1941 resulted in 926 oil or dis-

Jan 1, 1942

By James J. Halbouty, Michel T. Halbouty

Drilling activity in the South Texas area, which includes the South Corpus Christi and Laredo districts, showed a marked decline during 1941 from that of the preceding year. The rate of new discoveries, however, 'compared favorably with exploratory results of 1940 because of the many new productive sands opened in existing fields. South Texas completions for 1941 were about 12.3 per cent below the 1940 figure, compared with an increase of approximately 5.5 per cent in the total number of completions in the United States during 1941 over the 1940 total. During the year, 1452 wells were drilled in this area; of these, 1205 were drilled in or as extensions to the proven fields, and 247 were rank wildcats drilled in search of new producing pools. The comparable 1940 figures were: 1320 field or extension wells and 336 rank wildcats, a total of 1656 completions. This represents a decline in 1941 of approximately 8.7 per cent in proven-area wells, and of about 26.5 per cent in rank wildcats. It must be stressed that wells that were considered rank wildcats at the beginning of operations, but which opened production later classified as additions to existing fields, are not regarded as rank wildcats in this and previous annual reports on this same area. These wells are classified as semiwildcats (Table 2). There were 13 new oil or distillate fields and 4 new gas areas opened during the year, as listed in the next column. This listing represents a decline of 32 per cent from the 25 new areas found during the previous year, and to a great extent can be attributed to the 26.5 per cent decline in wildcatting. The rate of new discoveries based on the 247 wildcats was 14.5 to I, which compares somewhat unfavorably with the 13.4 to I ratio obtained in 1940 (Table 5). Dry wildcats totaled 230. The proof of the prolific character of the South Texas area as a source of petroleum reservoirs is to be found in the fact that of the 1205 field or extension (semiwildcat) wells completed during the past year 61 opened production from new sands or found crude in formerly distillate-producing sands. The 1940 total of 1320 such wells accounted for 50 horizons that provided either new production or crude in distillate sands, and in this respect the 1941 rate of discovery shows to greater advantage, the ratios for new sands being 19.7 to I for 1941 and 26.4 to I for 1940. The 1205 field or semiwildcat wells completed in 1941 resulted in 926 oil or dis-

Jan 1, 1942

By James J. Halbouty

The restraining effects of war conditions on oil-field development are well illustrated by statistics on South Texas † fields for the year 1942. Statistics also show a decline in wildcatting, but this decrease is much smaller than that shown by field activity. In comparison with results in 1941, there was a reduction of about 44 per cent in the total number of wells drilled in the area (802 in 1942 against 1452 in 1941) This 44 per cent drop represents declines of 50.4 per cent in field wells and of 17.4 per cent in rank wildcats. Field wells (exclusive of 18 wildcats that discovered fields) totaled 598; also, 204 rank wildcats were drilled (see Tables 3 and 4). The corresponding figures for 1941 are 1205 field and extension wells and 247 rank wildcats. In this connection, it should be noted that whereas in 1941 the rank wildcats made up only 17 per cent of all wells drilled in the area, their percentage of the 1942 total was 25.4 per cent. In spite of the decrease of 43 in the number of rank wildcatst drilled, there were 18 new productive areas discavered, one more than the 17 new fields found in 1941. Thus the field-discovery rate for 1942, one new field for every 11.3 wildcats drilled, compares favorably with the I to 14.5 rate of 1941. Thirteen new producing levels were opened in fields; this includes the finding of 44' gravity crude on the west flank of the Sejita field in a 5700-ft. sand, which produccs distillate higher on the structure. Interesting, and showing the general scarcity of sand discoveries, is the fact that of the 13 new sands discovered, 7 were found in Jim Wells County. The year's sand-discovery rate of one new level for every 46 field wells compares very unfavorably with the I to 19.7 rate of 1941, during which 61 new producing horizons were found. Developmeilt of new fields was on a small scale. In several instances activity in these areas was not carried beyond the drilling of the discovery well. The field discoveries of 1942, together with the type of production obtained from the discovery wells and the total number of wells (productive and dry) drilled in them, are given below: Discovery Num- Field.I County Well her Produced Wells I. Cadena....... Duval Oil 2 a. Garza......... Duval Oil I 3. Dinn......... Duval Gas I 4. Keller......... Duval Gas I 5. East.......... Tim 0 11 I 6. Green Branch . McMullen Gas 3 7. Frost. .GreenBranch........ Starr Oil I 8. Garcia........ Starr Oil 6 9. Ulrich........ Starr Oil 4 10. Lykes......... Webb Oil 2 11. McLean....... Webb Oil 9 Iz. Alamo........ Hidalgo Distillate 2 and gas 13. Penitas....... Hidalgo Distillate 2 and gas 14. Xmpnan..... Jim wells i a 15. South Premont Jim Wells Distillate i and gas 16. Quinto Creek.. Jim Wells Gas 4 17. Roth.. . :..... Jim Wells Gas I I 18. South Sinton.. San Distillate I Patricio and gas . • See Table 2 for data on discovery wells and Table I for information on these fields. • See Table 4.

Jan 1, 1943

By James J. Halbouty

The restraining effects of war conditions on oil-field development are well illustrated by statistics on South Texas † fields for the year 1942. Statistics also show a decline in wildcatting, but this decrease is much smaller than that shown by field activity. In comparison with results in 1941, there was a reduction of about 44 per cent in the total number of wells drilled in the area (802 in 1942 against 1452 in 1941) This 44 per cent drop represents declines of 50.4 per cent in field wells and of 17.4 per cent in rank wildcats. Field wells (exclusive of 18 wildcats that discovered fields) totaled 598; also, 204 rank wildcats were drilled (see Tables 3 and 4). The corresponding figures for 1941 are 1205 field and extension wells and 247 rank wildcats. In this connection, it should be noted that whereas in 1941 the rank wildcats made up only 17 per cent of all wells drilled in the area, their percentage of the 1942 total was 25.4 per cent. In spite of the decrease of 43 in the number of rank wildcatst drilled, there were 18 new productive areas discavered, one more than the 17 new fields found in 1941. Thus the field-discovery rate for 1942, one new field for every 11.3 wildcats drilled, compares favorably with the I to 14.5 rate of 1941. Thirteen new producing levels were opened in fields; this includes the finding of 44' gravity crude on the west flank of the Sejita field in a 5700-ft. sand, which produccs distillate higher on the structure. Interesting, and showing the general scarcity of sand discoveries, is the fact that of the 13 new sands discovered, 7 were found in Jim Wells County. The year's sand-discovery rate of one new level for every 46 field wells compares very unfavorably with the I to 19.7 rate of 1941, during which 61 new producing horizons were found. Developmeilt of new fields was on a small scale. In several instances activity in these areas was not carried beyond the drilling of the discovery well. The field discoveries of 1942, together with the type of production obtained from the discovery wells and the total number of wells (productive and dry) drilled in them, are given below: Discovery Num- Field.I County Well her Produced Wells I. Cadena....... Duval Oil 2 a. Garza......... Duval Oil I 3. Dinn......... Duval Gas I 4. Keller......... Duval Gas I 5. East.......... Tim 0 11 I 6. Green Branch . McMullen Gas 3 7. Frost. .GreenBranch........ Starr Oil I 8. Garcia........ Starr Oil 6 9. Ulrich........ Starr Oil 4 10. Lykes......... Webb Oil 2 11. McLean....... Webb Oil 9 Iz. Alamo........ Hidalgo Distillate 2 and gas 13. Penitas....... Hidalgo Distillate 2 and gas 14. Xmpnan..... Jim wells i a 15. South Premont Jim Wells Distillate i and gas 16. Quinto Creek.. Jim Wells Gas 4 17. Roth.. . :..... Jim Wells Gas I I 18. South Sinton.. San Distillate I Patricio and gas . • See Table 2 for data on discovery wells and Table I for information on these fields. • See Table 4.

Jan 1, 1943

By L. B. Herring, Harold Decker

The area under discussion includes districts 2 and 4, so designated by the Texas Railroad Commission,‡ and comprises the following 26 counties: Bee, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, De Witt, Duval, Goliad, Gonzales, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kleburg, Lavaca, Live Oak, Nueces, Refu-gio, San Patricia, Starr, Victoria, Webb, Willacy, Wilson and Zapata. Drilling and Production The total number of wells drilled in this district during 1944 is shown in Table 5. This indicates a 41 per cent increase in all drilling over 1943. In spite of every handicap created by the war, the oil industry more than met the crisis in its drilling program in this district. Last year we thought it would be impossible to add to the total number of wells drilled in the previous yea;, but in spite of the lack of manpower and materials this large increase was shown. During 1944 this district produced 124,201,978 bbl. of oil from 11,607 producing wells, whereas in 1943 it produced 88,421,693 bbl. from 11,211 producing wells. This is an increase of 35,780,285 bbl. of oil. Some decline has been shown in the older fields arid undoubtedly the majority of wells in the district are producing at too high a rate. However, this district has been able to meet any demands made on it by the Petroleum Administration for War for increased production. Discoveries and Extensions There was a slight decline over the preceding year in the number of wildcats drilled, but the number of discoveries increased. In most instances subsequent development has not been sufficient to arrive at preliminary valuations but it appears that the over-all oil discoveries were below normal and that the gas discovcrics were relatively more important. The Canolis and Tijerina pools, Jim Wells County, and the Dan Sullivan pool, Brooks County, appear to be the outstanding oil discoveries of the year. No important oil reserve was discovered or developed in the Wilcox horizons, although considerable wildcatting was done. Important extensions were made at Agua Dulce and Stratton in Nueces and Teleberg Counties. Production was increased appreciably at Willimar, Willacy County, and Seeligson, Jim Wells County, in sands and areas which were apparently productive at the beginning of the year. Refining Most of the major work in the changing and completing of refineries was finished this past year. Some of the most modern refineries in the industry are now located in the Corpus Christi area. Gas and Condensate No new recycling projects were commenced during the year, nor were there any important additions to the old operations. No major gas reserve was developed, although several new discoveries suggest potentid possibilities.

Jan 1, 1945

By John T. Galey

In all, 210 wellst were completed in southwestern Pennsylvania during 1939, which is 59 more than were drilled during the preceding year. Of this number, 137 were gas wells, which is a considerable increase from the 81 completed during 1938. Only 25 oil wells were completed, as against 28 in the previous year, and 28 dry holes, 6 more than last year. Shallow Development—Gas The increase in the number of gas wells is largely the result of a search for additional gas in Armstrong and Indiana Counties. Although a considerable number of wells were drilled in the latter county, the majority of them produced less than 100 M cu. ft. initial open flow. In Armstrong County, a new pool was opened in Cowanshannock township, producing from the third Bradford sand. Several large wells were obtained there, one of which produced an initial of nearly 12 million cu. ft., with a reservoir pressure of 1100 Ib. However, the productive area has been fairly well outlined by further drilling and shows that the pool covers only about 800 acres. The sand is 20 to 30 ft. thick, and probably has 5 to 6 ft. of pay. Thus this reserve is not an important one. Several wells were found in Menallen township, Fayette County, where the Big Injun sand has been having a play for the past three years, but the activity there is much less than a year ago. Oil On the west side of the Bradford sand gas pool, Cowanshannock township, Armstrong County, a well was drilled which flowed 100 bbl. the first day from the Tiona sand. The probability is that this well is a freak, as the Tiona has been drilled within a fairly close distance on every

Jan 1, 1940

By John T. Galey

In all, 210 wellst were completed in southwestern Pennsylvania during 1939, which is 59 more than were drilled during the preceding year. Of this number, 137 were gas wells, which is a considerable increase from the 81 completed during 1938. Only 25 oil wells were completed, as against 28 in the previous year, and 28 dry holes, 6 more than last year. Shallow Development—Gas The increase in the number of gas wells is largely the result of a search for additional gas in Armstrong and Indiana Counties. Although a considerable number of wells were drilled in the latter county, the majority of them produced less than 100 M cu. ft. initial open flow. In Armstrong County, a new pool was opened in Cowanshannock township, producing from the third Bradford sand. Several large wells were obtained there, one of which produced an initial of nearly 12 million cu. ft., with a reservoir pressure of 1100 Ib. However, the productive area has been fairly well outlined by further drilling and shows that the pool covers only about 800 acres. The sand is 20 to 30 ft. thick, and probably has 5 to 6 ft. of pay. Thus this reserve is not an important one. Several wells were found in Menallen township, Fayette County, where the Big Injun sand has been having a play for the past three years, but the activity there is much less than a year ago. Oil On the west side of the Bradford sand gas pool, Cowanshannock township, Armstrong County, a well was drilled which flowed 100 bbl. the first day from the Tiona sand. The probability is that this well is a freak, as the Tiona has been drilled within a fairly close distance on every

Jan 1, 1940

By John T. Galey

A combination of two factors in addition to the current Federal drilling and price regulations reduced by 120 from I942 the number of new wells completed in southwestern Pennsylvania during the year. No new prospective area was found comparable to the Armbrust gas pool, Westmoreland Co., which accounted for a seventh of the last year's drilling, and it is considered doubtful whether, even if such a field had been discovered, the drilling contractors, who have been seriously affected by the manpower shortage, could have drilled many more wells than they did during the year. New wells totaling 445 were completed for a combined footage of over 1,250,000 Dry holes numbered 131 and had a footage of nearly 400,000. Old wells drilled deeper total 55, of which 17 were found nonproductive. Shallow Development Oil Oil completions yielded an initial of only slightly over one hundred barrels from 21 wells for about the same per well average as that of a year ago. However, 65 bbl. of this total came from two wells in two new strikes. The footage drilled of nearly 33,000 gives an average of nearly I00 ft. less per well than a year ago. Two old wells drilled deeper had a combined initial of only 4 bbl. The largest oil well of the year, 40 bbl., was found in the Speechley (U. Dev.) sand at a depth of 3492 ft. in German township, Fayette County. The location is several miles east of the nearest oil production hut as the area that could be occupied by a pool is fairly well delimited by drilling, the extent of this production would not appear to be large. The other notable oil production was found in the Dunkard (Penna.) sand, Cumberland township, Greene County, at a depth of 1065 ft. Here the first well had an initial of g bbl. and the second 25 bbl. However, a third proved dry, and as this area is also delimited by drilling, the pool doubtless will be of small area. Gas Gas completions yielded an initial of slightly over one hundred million cubic feet per day and new wells, totaling 303, account for all but four million of this volume. Old wells drilled deeper, numbering 35, found gas. The per well average in new drilling of approximately 320 M cu. ft. is nearly 165 M cu. ft. less than a year ago and the total footage is slightly over 830,000, which is about a quarter of a million feet less than in 1942. Average rock pressure of new completions is approximately 365 lb. per sq. in. The entire volume of new production is from the Upper Devonian or higher stratigraphic horizons. In Allegheny County, the grestest activity was in Forward and Plum townships. Wells there account for more than one half the completions. One large well was drilled in Forward township and an open flow of 3.623 million cubic feet was found in an old Gantz (U. Dev.) sand area. The top of the sand was encountered

Jan 1, 1944

By John T. Galey

A combination of two factors in addition to the current Federal drilling and price regulations reduced by 120 from I942 the number of new wells completed in southwestern Pennsylvania during the year. No new prospective area was found comparable to the Armbrust gas pool, Westmoreland Co., which accounted for a seventh of the last year's drilling, and it is considered doubtful whether, even if such a field had been discovered, the drilling contractors, who have been seriously affected by the manpower shortage, could have drilled many more wells than they did during the year. New wells totaling 445 were completed for a combined footage of over 1,250,000 Dry holes numbered 131 and had a footage of nearly 400,000. Old wells drilled deeper total 55, of which 17 were found nonproductive. Shallow Development Oil Oil completions yielded an initial of only slightly over one hundred barrels from 21 wells for about the same per well average as that of a year ago. However, 65 bbl. of this total came from two wells in two new strikes. The footage drilled of nearly 33,000 gives an average of nearly I00 ft. less per well than a year ago. Two old wells drilled deeper had a combined initial of only 4 bbl. The largest oil well of the year, 40 bbl., was found in the Speechley (U. Dev.) sand at a depth of 3492 ft. in German township, Fayette County. The location is several miles east of the nearest oil production hut as the area that could be occupied by a pool is fairly well delimited by drilling, the extent of this production would not appear to be large. The other notable oil production was found in the Dunkard (Penna.) sand, Cumberland township, Greene County, at a depth of 1065 ft. Here the first well had an initial of g bbl. and the second 25 bbl. However, a third proved dry, and as this area is also delimited by drilling, the pool doubtless will be of small area. Gas Gas completions yielded an initial of slightly over one hundred million cubic feet per day and new wells, totaling 303, account for all but four million of this volume. Old wells drilled deeper, numbering 35, found gas. The per well average in new drilling of approximately 320 M cu. ft. is nearly 165 M cu. ft. less than a year ago and the total footage is slightly over 830,000, which is about a quarter of a million feet less than in 1942. Average rock pressure of new completions is approximately 365 lb. per sq. in. The entire volume of new production is from the Upper Devonian or higher stratigraphic horizons. In Allegheny County, the grestest activity was in Forward and Plum townships. Wells there account for more than one half the completions. One large well was drilled in Forward township and an open flow of 3.623 million cubic feet was found in an old Gantz (U. Dev.) sand area. The top of the sand was encountered

Jan 1, 1944

By Kendall E. Born

Production of crude oil in Tennessee during 1941 was slightly more than 15,000 bbl., about the same as in the preceding year. Two thirds of the total was from the Mississippi limestone pools in Scott and Morgan Counties. About a dozen small scattered wells in Clay, Pickett, and Fentress Counties, pumped irregularly, produced approximately 5000 bbl. Natural gas was marketed from wells in Morgan and Fentress Counties for consumption in the Sunbright and Jamestown areas, respectively. The production by counties is shown in Table I. Drilling activities in the state fell to the lowest stage since 1933. Twenty-seven wells were spudded in during 1941, of which six were drilling or only temporarily suspended on Dec. 37, 1941. Of the 22 completions, four were gas wells of undetermined quantity, but are classed as commercial, and 17 were dry or near-dry holes. One well encountered oil, but it has not been tested. The total footage drilled during the year was 29,916 ft.; the average depth of wells was 1359 ft. The more important wildcats are listed in Table 2; the distribution of tests according to physiographic divisions is given in Table 3. East Tennessee.—One well was drilled to 3480 ft. in northwestern Anderson County, in the highly disturbed Appalachian area, a region long considered the most unfavorable in the state for the accumulation of oil and gas. Another test is now drilling below 2000 ft. in this general area. Cumberland Plateau.—There were two completions in the Cumberland Plateau area. One test, drilled in northwestern Scott County in an area of former Mississippi limestone production,' encountered a considerable amount of free oil at 850 ft., about the same horizon as in the old abandoned wells. No pumping tests have been made to date. A well at Oneida, Scott County, found gas at 1579 ft. in a sandy limestone of lower Mississippian age. The volume was reported doubled by a shot, although no open-flow measurement is available. Eastern Highland Rim.—Six completions on the eastern Highland Rim resulted in two small gas wells in Fentress County, which will be used to augment the supply for Jamestown. The producing horizons are shaly limestones of Ordovician (Trenton) age. Two wells in this area tested the upper part of the Knox dolomite group, one of which encountered some free oil in a sandy dolomite at 1670 to 1681 ft. A test high on a well-defined structure in Clay County found a considerable amount

Jan 1, 1942