GEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY iiUKVEYS. 127 



the matter rest with this unsatisfactory conchisioii, and continued tx) 

 agitate the subject of a more extended examination of the geological 

 features of the State, both as a matter of general interest and also 

 in order to determine wliether the great salt deposit might be expected 

 to be accessible at other points, and if so, where. 



The discovery of the great sulpliur bed, which was reached in bor- 

 ing for petroleum in the coast region of Calcasieu, increased the 

 public interest in the subject, so that almost simultaneously the 

 problem of the geological structure of Louisiana wns attacked from 

 two sides. On the one hand, the New Orleans Academy of Sciences, 

 aided by an appropriation of public funds by the State immigration 

 bureau, requested Professor Hilgard to undertake a general geo- 

 logical reconnoissance of the State. On tlie other hand, the State 

 legislature, by an act a})proved Marcit 6, 1809. m-ido an appropriation 

 of $1,000 to defray the traveling expenses of two professors of the 

 University of Louisiana (then located at Alexandria under the desig 

 nation of the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military 

 Academy) in making a general geological and topographical survey 

 of the State, under the direction of the superintendent of that in- 

 stitution. The following is the text of this act: 



An act to provldp for a topograpliical and .ircoSoK'ca! survey of the Staio of Louisiana. 



Section 1. Be it enacted hii the Senate and the House of Representatives of 

 the State of Lonisiava in Cenrral Assembly convened. That it shall be the duty 

 of the boarrl of supervisors of the Louisiana State Seminary of Learninj? and 

 Military Academy to require the professor of engineering and the professors of 

 chemistry, mineralo.£ry, and geolo.G:y to spend not less than four months of every 

 year in making jointly a topographical and geological survey of the State of 

 Louisiana till the whole work is completed to the satisfaction of the legisla- 

 ture. 



Skc. 2. Be it furtlicr enacted, etc., That it shall be the duty of said professors 

 of engineering and chemistry to make, on the 31st day of September of each 

 year, detailed reports, with the necessary maps, diagrams of their stirvey to the 

 superintendent of said institution, and that it shall be the duty of said superin- 

 tendent to forward said reports, with his ov/n annual report, to the board of 

 supervisors for transmittal to the legislature in the annual report of said board. 



Src. 3. Be it furtlicr enacted, etc., That it shall be the duty of the superin- 

 tendent of said institution to consider the typographical and geological survey 

 of the State as herein provided for, as part of the regular duties of said institu- 

 tion, and to stiperintend the same accordingly. 



Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, etc., That said professors of engineering and 

 chemistry, etc., be allowed each the sum of $500 for necessary traveling ex- 

 penses while in the performance of said duties, to be paid to the treasurer of 

 said institution on the warrant of the president or vice president of said board 

 of supervisors. 



Sec. 5. Be it further enacted, ete.. That this net shall take effect from and 

 after Its passage. 



136075—20 10 



