PRELIMINARY REPORT. 13 



4. To obtain a full collection for the same Cabinet, of specimens valuable in an eco- 

 nomical point of view ; embracing many that are smoothed and polished. 



5. To identify the metamorphosed rocks of the State with those that have not been 

 changed. This last point has been the most difficult of all ; and yet in a scientific respect, 

 a very important one: indeed, it is so economically. For until we can determine the true 

 character of the rocks, we cannot tell what useful substances we may expect to find in them 

 and what ones we may not expect. And really, in my judgment, this is the most 

 important use of a geological survey. It is not, as many suppose, to make discoveries of 

 new substances that are useful, though this is occasionally done ; but it is so to delineate 

 the geological structure of the country, that practical men may be directed in their 

 researches, and be saved from useless expenditures. Hence the value of a scientific 

 description of the rocks, even of those parts that seem not to have much bearing upon 

 the economical interests of a people : for we do know, that the most abstruse scientific 

 principle often has a most important and unexpected practical application. On this 

 ground it has been the practice in all our geological surveys to go into full scientific 

 details. We do not feel that in such a state as Vermont, it is needful to apologize for 

 trying to follow such an example, nor that its people will be satisfied with anything short 

 of a careful scientific exposition of its Geology. With the means and time at our 

 command, it has been quite impossible to go into each town and examine minutely its 

 Geology. We have hoped only to be able to delineate the great features of the geological 

 structure of the State, and thus prepare the way for minute surveys of each town, should 

 the inhabitants wish it done. This work has already been commenced, and we shall 

 append to our report one of these town _surveys, executed by Mr. HAGER, by request of 

 the people of Plymouth. 



As to the character of the metamorphic rocks of Vermont, it is well known that 

 eminent Geologists have not been agreed ; that this has been a sort of battle ground for 

 opposing theories. It so happened that neither I, nor my assistants, had ever taken sides 

 in this contest, or had made up our minds concerning it. We have gone through with 

 the whole work, quite indifferent which side would be favored by the facts we should 

 bring to light. To use a common but expressive phrase, we have gone it blind, in all our 

 researches. We have, indeed, been satisfied that a mighty wave of metamorphic influ- 

 ence has swept over the State from north to south, increasing in intensity as it advanced. 

 But whether the facts we present favor one theory or another, we hardly even yet know. 

 Our main desire is that the facts may aid in the development of the truth. 



To carry out such a plan as above indicated over an area of more than 10,000 square 

 miles, every one must see to be a gigantic work for less than three years ; and we fear 

 that it will be thought only imperfectly performed. I confess that such is the fact ; but 

 hope Ave have laid a foundation on which a finished superstructure will ultimately rise. 

 The main labor of measuring the sections, collecting the specimens, tracing out the for- 

 mations, and collecting the statistics of mines and quarries, has devolved upon A. D. 

 HAGER and C. H. HITCHCOCK, who have been indefatigable in their labors during the 

 summer, and also in the winter so far as was necessary. Mr. HAGER, in accordance with 

 his oAvn wishes, was requested to give special attention to the economical geology, that he 

 might report upon it. C. H. HITCHCOCK was directed to give special attention to surface 



