PRELIMINARY REPORT. 15 



years ago, and much earlier as an amateur, should have been willing to take up the work 

 again, and especially explore the north eastern part of the State where the reign of the 

 wild animals has hardly yet been much disturbed by man. And though my commission 

 did not require any attention to Agriculture, I felt confident that some remarks on that 

 subject from one so competent would be acceptable. 



In conclusion, allow me to express the hope, that though the people of Vermont may not 

 realize all they had anticipated from this long protracted survey, yet when they look over 

 the large array of facts which we now present, respecting the subterranean resources of the 

 State, and see how many questions of deep scientific interest are here started and in part 

 resolved, and how wonderful and even sublime have been the changes which the solid 

 frame-work and the surface have undergone, they will feel that they have some return for 

 their patience and perseverance in carrying the work through. As to myself, every year 

 has deepened my impressions of the amount and value of the mineral resources of the 

 State, and of the scientific interest connected with its Geology. The rocks of Vermont 

 are the most difficult with which I have ever attempted to grapple: but they have taught 

 me many a valuable lesson : and as to their economical value, I have been impressed with 

 the following facts : 



First and most important of all, we think we have discovered the reason why Vermont 

 so excels all the other New England States in the agricultural capabilities of its soil. It 

 is the existence, in almost all of her rocks, of lime in such a state that natural processes 

 bring it out in just about the quantity needed by vegetation. This is the case in many 

 parts of the State where the inhabitants hardly suspect the existence of lime, and those 

 parts of the State most fertile are just the places where lime is most abundant and decom- 

 posable. This is a treasure which Providence has hidden in the earth and provided for 

 its elimination at the right time and quantity, and it is of far more value in my estimate 

 than all the other subterranean wealth of the State, yet I had no suspicion of its existence 

 and use till a late stage in this survey, excepting on the west side of the Green Moun- 

 tains. 



Secondly, most of the valuable rocks and minerals in Vermont run lengthwise of the 

 State, and are thus made accessible to most of the inhabitants. This is the case with the 

 granites, the marbles, the slates, the soapstones, the serpentines, the iron and the gold, to 

 say nothing of others of less value. 



Thirdly, these mineral treasures are inexhaustible in quantity. 



Fourthly, they are of such kinds as will always be in increasing demand all over the 

 country, as its population increases. 



I cannot, therefore, but look upon Vermont as a giant whose full proportions and 

 strength are yet in a great measure undeveloped ; and in this, which is probably my last 

 literary labor, I cannot but pray that God would continue to prosper and bless a State so 

 strong by nature and so rich in noble institutions! 



Most respectfully submitted, 



EDWARD HITCHCOCK. 



AMHERST, Oct. 1, 1859. 



