22 



at Oxford, will scarcely be greater than those existing on 

 the second floor of the Penitentiary. 



Should you think fit to recommend, and the Legislature to 

 authorize the changes here proposed, I might hope to be able 

 to lay before you, next year, a summary of results, which 

 should satisfy the sceptical as to the importance of the sur~ 

 vey, and the advantages offered by an energetic prosecution 

 over the dilatory system thus far prevailing. Should no 

 such change, however, be effected, I shall still continue to 

 do my duty, although with a .consciousness that the severest 

 toil will be unavailing in furthering the work either to my 

 own satisfaction, or that of the public ; and that the people 

 of Mississippi will be late in reaping the benefits which the 

 prompt and thorough execution of their geological surveys, 

 has conferred, and is conferring upon other States, 



With the highest respect, your obedient servant, 



EUGENE W. IIILGARD, State Geologist. 



JACKSON, August 18.58. 



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