GEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTOKY SUKVEYS. 365 



would beg leave respectfully to name $100, to be afterwards renewed or not 

 at the pleasure of the board. 



The time occupied in these researches, would geuerjilly coincide with the 

 college vacations. 



The iKquisitioii of knowledge, by which 1 might be better able to fultill the 

 duties of my profession and the opportunity of furnishing a geological descrip- 

 tion of this hitherto uudeseribed country to the .Vniciiean Geological Society, 

 of which I have the honor to be a member, would afford all the recompense 1 

 require; and the collection of specimens to illustrate my lectures, as well as 

 on increased ability to im[)art infornuition to my i)ui>lls respecting their native 

 State, would be the means of securing some advantages to the university. 



My objects, then, are twofold; so far as respects the board, they would be 

 wholly practical; as it respects myself personally, the promotion of science, by 

 which the natural history of the State may be better known and appreciated, 

 both at home and abroad, is a great object though not at all at variance with 

 the other. 



In accordance with these views in reporting to the board the results of my 

 labors I should expect to notice such topics as the folhnving, to.srerlier with such 

 other topics as they should particularly prescribe: 



Stones for building. — Example, freestone; qualities by which it may be known; 

 what kinds are suitable for building; what kinds unsuitable; other uses to which 

 the stone is or m:iy be applied. Wherever the best mode of quarrying or work, 

 iug did not appear to be understood, that mode nnght be particularly described. 

 A similar plan might be pursued with respect to ornamental stones, as marbles, 

 jasper, porphyry, or as to metallic ores. Other things of practical importance 

 that had failen under observation might be particu!:irly specified; the limit of 

 rock formations pointed out; the places designated which lie in the range of 

 known quarries, where it is prol)able they may be found to appear again. 



The relative value of such substances as might become articles of commerce 

 might be ascertained; the nature of mineral springs already celebrated might 

 be investigated and others which appear to be valuable made known, and all 

 similar information might be communicated which could be collected on such 

 excursions. 



The board did not consider itself authorized to make the contract 

 with Mr. Ohnsted, but referred the matter lo the general assembly, 

 recommending that his proposition be accepted. 



The legislature took no action in the matter at that time. The 

 proposition was, however, renewed by Professor Olmsted in 1823, 

 the result of which was the passage of an act authorizing the board 

 of agriculture to have such a survey made, and appropriating for 

 the purpose the sum of $250 a year for four successive years. At the 

 end of that time (session of 1827-28) the legislature passed an act 

 continuing the appropriation for another year. 



The following is a transcript of this act: 



An act (ilrecting a geological and mineralogicnl survey to be made of the State of North 



Carolina. 



I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Stale of North Carolina, 

 and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That it is hereby made 



