The number of natural wells, in the 20 counties between Waco and the Red River, is growing daily. Fueling these wells is an unprecedented discovery period in an area known as the Barnett Shale.

 Increasingly, more north central Texans are finding the need to become versed in drilling procedures and mineral rights. Following is some information that might help drill a little deeper toward answers to the questions about the Barnett Shale.

 First, a little background. A massive geologic formation exists deep beneath the Texas topsoil, over 8,000 feet deep in some areas, and spreads out over a 6,000 square-mile area.