GEOLOGICAL AND NATUEAL HISTORY SURVEYS. 497 



This report contains little that is of interest to-day, with the ex- 

 ception of his remarks relative to the comparative value of topo- 

 graphic and geological work. In discussing which of these two sur- 

 veys should liave precedence in view of the importance of carrying 

 both on together he remarks : 



But as one is not osseutial to tlie nccouiplislimeiit of the other, and as the 

 expense of an accurate topographical survey, carried on only to such an extent 



would doubtless be deemed advisable, if it were undertaken at all, would 

 jv according to the estimates before us, not less than $10,000 or $12,000, the 

 committee, in view of the considerations, * * * are of the opinion that 

 a geological survey should be the first undertaken, leaving the other enterprise 

 t( some future period when its execution will be more imperiously demanded 

 ly the wants and more clearly justified by the wealth of the State. 



Although the subject of the survey was discussed at the succeeding 

 session of tlie general assembly, the first act relative thereto was not 

 passed until October, 1844, and a second in December, 1853, the one 

 making provision for such a survey and tlie other providing for its 

 completion. The text of these acts is as follows: 



An net (o proviile for a geological siuvoy of the Stale. 1844. 



SiccTioN 1. The governor is hereby authorized and directed to appoint a State 

 geologist, who shall have a competent knowledge of scientific and practical 

 geology and mineralogy, and shall be subject to the orders of the governor for 

 the tiine being and removable at his pleasure. 



Skc. 2. The State geologist, with the approbation of the governor, shall from 

 time to time appoint all proper and necessary assistants, fix their compensations, 

 direct them in their labors, and remove them and appoint others whenever it 

 shall be found necessary or expedient. 



Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the State geologist, as soon as practicable, to 

 commence and prosecute a thorough geological and minernlogicnl survey of the 

 State, embracing therein a full and scientific examination and description of its 

 rocks, soils, metals, and minerals; make careful and complete assays and 

 analyses of the same, and anniially, on or befoi'e the first day of October, to re- 

 port to the governor the progress of the work, the most efticient and economical 

 manner of conducting it, and fin estimate of the exjiense for tlie ensuing year. 



Sec. 4. For the pnrjwse of carrying into effect the provisions of this act the 

 (mm of $2,000 annually, for the term of three years, is hereby apjiropriated. 



Skc. 5. All claims, under the provisions of this act, shall be presented to the 

 auditor of accounts for allowance, who shall draw orders on the treasurer of 

 the State for the amount he shall find due, equal to but not exceeding in any 

 year the annual appropriation. 



Approved October 28, 1844. 



An act to provide for completing the geologicul survey of the State, 1853. 



Jt is hereby ena/ited hy tlic General Asscmhly of the State of Vermont, a.« 

 follows: 



Section 1. The governor is hereby directed and authorized to appoint Prof. 

 Zadock Thompson, State naturalist, who shi'll be subject to the orders of the 

 governor for the time being and removable at his discretion. 



Sec. 2. It shall bo the duty of the State naturalist to enter, as soon as prac- 

 ticable, upon a thorough prosecution and completion of the geological survey of 



