Developments in East Texas in 1956

Statistically, 1956 developments were comparable with the previous year. No major reserves were indicated from the discoveries; however, accumulation encountered on two salt domes has added to the exploratory potential of the district. Reserve increases were due almost equally to extensions of old fields and new-field discoveries. Of the 1956 discoveries, 19 were new fields, 12 were lateral extensions, and 8 were vertical extensions. Eleven of the new-field discoveries were in the Lower Cretaceous, 7 in the Upper Cretaceous, and 1 in the Eocene. Of the 20 extensions, 17 were completed in the Lower Cretaceous and 3 were in the Upper Cretaceous. Development drilling increased 13.5%, reflecting the high activity on the Sabine uplift in areas of established production. Total producers completed numbered 648. Geophysical activity decreased 19.5% from 1955. The seismograph, gravity-meter, magnetometer, and core-drill activity totaled 1,079 crew-weeks. Approximately 580,000 acres were acquired during 1956. The average bonus cost ranged between $10 and $15 per acre.