Very few outstanding fields were discovered in Oklahoma during 1949, although both exploratory and development wells increased in number over the previous year. Substantial reserves were added by outpost and discovery wells on the northwest and southwest flanks and the southeastern embayment of the Anadarko basin, the Ardmore basin, and east-central Oklahoma.

Continued successful exploratory drilling in the Ringwood area of Major County and Elk City area of Beckham and Washita counties resulted in increased reserves, extensive leasing, exploration, and talk of many wildcat tests slated for 1950.

The "Golden Trend" of Garvin and McClain counties increased in size, now more than 25 miles in length and comprising a series of oil pools of various sizes with impressive reserves.

A rapid growth and expansion of the Bayou, West Brock, North Alma, Palacine, and West Sholem Alechem pools, producing in various Pennsylvanian sands in the Ardmore basin, were evident during the past year.

Production of oil totaled 150,779,000 barrels, representing a decrease of 3.08 per cent from 1948. Reserves of oil increased by 6.35 per cent. Production of marketed gas increased 24.59 per cent to 567,334,696,000 cubic feet. Total reserves of natural gas also show an increase.

Oklahoma drilled 4,308 holes, ranking second in the nation. Of these, 825 were wildcats resulting ing 169 new discoveries or a 20.48 per cent ratio, one of the highest in the state's history.