PREFACE. 



Besides the Papers read at the three meetings heretofore held, 

 the present vokime inckides an account of the proceedings of the 

 Association of American Geologists and Naturalists, from 

 its origin. It affords, therefore, a view not merely of the past 

 labors of the Association, but of its plan and objects, which, it will 

 be observed, differ essentially from those proposed by the other 

 scientific societies of this country. Aiming to promote a closer 

 intercourse between the numerous cultivators of Geology and 

 Natural History throughout the United States, and to lend greater 

 efficiency, by systematic cooperation, to the active exertions now 

 making in these departments of Science, it has imitated in its essen- 

 tial features those Associations of other countries which are seeking, 

 in their several spheres, similar results. It cannot, however, pretend, 

 in the present early stage of its progress, to copy the full and effec- 

 tive organization of some of its distinguished European prototypes. 

 The transactions of the Association have hitherto been confined 

 chiefly to communications, written and oral, of individual members, 

 and to the discussions which these have suggested. It is, however, 

 within the plan of the Society, to procure reports from committees, 

 and individual members, on special subjects of research, several of 

 which have been undertaken, and also on the progress of partic- 

 ular branches. 



