May 23, 1859.] PROGRESS OF GEOGRAPHY IN THE UNITED STATES. 329 



In alluding to other works connected with the geography of 

 America, I am glad to have the high authority of my friend Admiral 

 FitzEoy for saying, that one of the most valuable meteorological 

 works which has yet been produced is Lorin Blodget's ' Climatology 

 of the United States.' This large octavo volume, amply illustrated 

 with the best class of maps, is well written, and treats the subject in 

 a masterly and comprehensive manner ; the author having strictly 

 followed Humboldt, and largely referred to Dove. In estimating such 

 works as this, and the still more extensive Eeports of Espy, we are 

 reminded that they proceed from a country where one language, one 

 system of measurement, one postal arrangement, and one govern- 

 ment, coextend over a vast portion of the continent of America.* 



If I were now presiding over my brother geologists, I might 

 dilate upon the very important work recently published by Pro- 

 fessor Henry Eogers on the ' Geology of Pennsylvania;' for truly 

 the two thick quarto volumes replete with numerous illustra- 

 tions which have been prepared by this geologist are to be viewed 

 as masterpieces of correct delineation of the structure of his native 

 country. Independently of the intrinsic value of these details 

 to the geologist, miner, and proprietor, the maps and sections have 

 in themselves a most important bearing on physical geography. 

 In tracing the boundaries of the different geological formations, 

 Professor Rogers has shown the intimate connexion between the 

 complicated geological folds or replication and the geographical out- 

 lines of the land, and with an ability which proves him to be as good 



* Since this Address was read, I have had the satisfaction to receive from our associate, 

 Commander Maury, the second volume of the eighth edition of his ' Explanations and 

 Sailing Directions to accompany his Wind and Current Charts.' This invaluable work, 

 which has justly acquired a world-wide reputation, is another of the striking proofs of the 

 wisdom of the Government of the United States in their encouragement of science. 



More recently our medallist. Professor Bache, has obligingly sent to me a list of all the 

 principal American geographical explorations and publications since 1857. In addition to 

 no less than thirty-nine such works, most of them executed by direction of the Government 

 (and of which a list will be given in a subseqvient number of the * Proceedings'), Professor 

 Bache informs me that the following four expeditions are either starting oi are already in 

 the field : — Exploration of the San Juan and Colorado Rivers, and of a route from New- 

 Mexico to Utah Territory, commanded by Captain John Macomb, Topographical Engineers 

 U. S. A., under the Office of Explorations, War Department. — Exploration of the head 

 Tributaries of the Yellow-stone and Missouri Rivers, and the region in which their sources 

 lie, commanded by Captain W. F. Raynolds, Topographical Engineers U. S. A., under the 

 Office of Explorations, War Department. — Construction of a Military Road from Fort 

 Benton on the Missouri to Fort Walla Walla on the Columbia, commanded by Lieut. 

 John Mullan, U. S. A., under the Office of Explorations, War Department. — Exploration 

 of a route for a Railroad on a new line, across the Great Basin, by Captain J. H. Simpson, 

 Topographical Engineers U. S. A., Utah Expedition, Brigadier-Geneial Albert Johnston^ 

 U. S. A., commanding, under the War Department. 



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