54 BULLETIN 109, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM, 



surveys of the swamp Innds for the purpose of reclamation. Salary, 

 not to exceed $2,000 a year, and other necessary expenses, were to 

 bo paid out of the receipts from the sale of these same swamp lands, 

 or, should these auiouuts prove insufficient, out of the internal-im- 

 provement fund. 



Under this act Mr. F, L. Dancy was appointed State engineer and 

 geologist in 1853. It is not apparent that he was a geologist in any 

 sense of the word or that he attempted to do any geological work. 

 His report as State engineer occupies pages 19 to 36 of documents 

 accompanying the message of the governor of Florida, submitted No- 

 vember 28, 1854. All that occurs relative to geology is given on page 

 20 of the appendix, and reads as follows : 



On the sub.iect of tlie geology of the State I have made no report, from the 

 fact that the general assembly failed to specify any duties or malie any appro- 

 priations to defray iiny expenses incurred in reference to the matter. Conse- 

 quently, nothing has been done by me except to obtain specimens of soils and 

 minerals from the \arious localities (where marked changes were perceptible) 

 visited by me in the perfornnuice of the duties of engineer. 



The office was abolished by an act of the assembly in 1855. Noth- 

 ing further appears to have been done until 1886, when, on his own 

 responsibility, and evidently without tlie passage of anj' enactment by 

 the legislature, Governor Perry appointed Dr. J, Kost, State geolo- 

 gist. Below is a transcript of the letter making this appointment, 

 together Avith that of a letter given to Doctor Kost, the purpose of 

 which is self-apparent: 



Executive Department. 



In the name and under tlie autliority of the State of Florida. 



Whereas Dr. .T. Kost has been duly appointed by the governor to make a 

 geological survey of the State of Florida : 



Now, tlierefore, reposing especial ti'ust and contidence in the ability, fidelity, 

 and prudence of the said Dr. J. Kost, I, Edward A. Perry, governor of the 

 State of Florid-', under and by tlie virtue of the authority vested in me, do 

 hereby appoint and connnission said Dr. J, Kost to make such survey of the 

 State of Florida, and to liave, liold, and exercise all the powers appertaining 

 thereto, and to perform the duties thereof, and to enjoy all the privileges and 

 benefits of the same. 



In testimony whereof, I do herennto set my liand and cause to be atlixed 

 the great seal of the State of Florida, at Tallahassee, the capital, this, tlu> 

 first day of .lanuary, A. D. 1880, and of the independence of the United State.s 

 the one hundred and tenth year. 



E. A. IMcp.KV. fl(>rrr)ior of Florida. 



V>y the (lovernor: Attest. 



Jam-.vry 1. 188(:. 

 To all whom if may concern: 



Realizing how important to our State and to all interested in ascertaining 

 and developing its resources that there should be a thorough geological survey 

 of Florida, and recognizing that in the absence of a legislative appropriation 



