104 JOURNAL OF THE 



of the Senate on the propriety of selecting a suitable person to procure and 

 effect a mineralogical survey, respectfully report : That they have considered 

 the same, and now submit the following report with accompanying resolu- 

 tions: 



The limits of a report on the present occasion forbid your committee 

 attempting anything more than an exhibition of those general results which 

 have been derived from the numerous examinations and explorations which 

 all the Governments of Europe and many States of the Union have ordered, 

 under the guidance of men of high scientific attainments. 



In 1823, our State took the lead (North Carolina only excepted) in giving 

 direction for a Geological survey in charge of Professor Vanuxem, and 

 although his explorations were unaccompanied by any of those notable dis- 

 coveries, which tend to diversify the industrial pursuits of a people, yet the 

 subsequent labors of a Ruffin and a Tuomey, are so full of hope in the future, 

 that the State should feel encouragement in prosecuting immediately what she 

 has already so well begun. ^ * * 



Believing, then, that these enlightened examples of other countries can be 

 advantageously imitated by us, your committee recommend the adoption of 

 the following resolutions: 



Resolved, That this General Assembly authorize the appointment of a Geo- 

 logical, Mineralogical and Agricultural Surveyor, whose services shall be 

 engaged for four years, and whose duty it shall be to explore the several dis- 

 tricts, make a geological map, analyze minerals, ores, soils, and manures free 

 of charge, and submit an annual report to tlie Legislature for general circula- 

 tion. 



Resolved, That this officer shall receive a salary of three thousand dollars, 

 to be ap[)ointed by joint resolution of the two houses, and that it shall be the 

 duty of the joint committees of Agriculture and Internal Improvements of 

 the Senate, and of Internal Improvements of the House, to nominate a suit- 

 able person to fill this ofl^ce.* 



Ill accordance with the above resohitions, and within a few 

 days after their adoption, Oscar M. Lieber was nominated by 

 the committees and unanimously elected by the General Assem- 

 bly Geological, Mineralogical and Agricultural Surveyor of the 

 State for a term of four years, and his election was confirmed by 

 the Governor December 22, 1855. 



As to other legislation con(;erning the survey, the following 

 may be noted: By a resolution of the General Assembly, 

 December, 1856, the State Geologist was instructed to endeavor 



*This Keport was adopted by the Senate Dec. 13, 1855; concurred in by House of Rep- 

 resentatives Dec. 19, 1855. See also Reports and Resolutions of S. C. for 1855, pp. 324-327. 



