Drilling in the southeastern states decreased slightly in 1964, with 871 completions compared with 893 during 1963. Activity was greatest in Mississippi where a total of 808 tests was drilled. Exploratory drilling in Mississippi increased by 39.7 per cent; however, the success ratio dropped to 9.4 per cent, compared with 11.4 per cent for the preceding year. Development drilling was down 21 per cent; the development success ratio remained almost constant with only a 1 per cent drop.

Exploratory drilling in Alabama was up 8.7 per cent, whereas development drilling was down 58.1 per cent compared with 1963. The development success ratio dropped to 84.6 per cent, compared with 90.3 per cent the preceding year.

In Florida, three successful development wells were completed and one new field was discovered during 1964. The number of tests drilled in Florida was twice that of 1963.

Exploratory drilling resulted in the discovery of 21 new oil and gas fields, six new pools, and 11 extensions in Mississippi, and one new field in south Florida.