Geological Reports. 189 



ricultLiral, economical and social view, they are of extreme impor- 

 tance, and not less so are the conclusions so ably and lucidly pre- 

 sented by the gentlemen charged with the examination of these dis- 

 tricts. 



In passing over them repeatedly in travelling to and fro, in former 

 years, our attention has been arrested by many of the facts set forth 

 by the geologists of these districts ; we allude, particularly, to the 

 abundance and antiquity of the organic bodies, and we are forcibly im- 

 pressed with the momentous importance of the practical, as well as 

 theoretical results to which their observations have conducted them — 

 particularly as regards the geological antiquity of the stratified rocks — 

 the sandstones — the limestone and the slates, depressing them so deep 

 in the series as to preclude the hope of discovering profitable beds of 

 coal in the State of New York, a hope which we believe has never 

 been relinquished. We have no space to display the importance of 

 all the reports and especially of these two districts ; they will be at- 

 tentively studied by American geologists, while they will not neglect 

 to peruse the whole of this valuable document. We are strongly 

 impressed with the vast importance of the geological survey of this 

 State, and with the conviction that it has been confided to able hands. 

 The investigation is one of great responsibility, demanding not only 

 vigor of mind, but extensive knowledge, acquired by the previous 

 expenditure of much time, money and effort. We have therefore 

 from the first, observed, with no small pain, the narrowness of the 

 allotted compensations, still farther diminished by being charged with 

 all personal expenses, and in some cases, they are docked of a few 

 hundreds more, because certain individuals engaged in the survey 

 chanced to have an academic employment, but one not materially in- 

 terfering with the full discharge of their geological duty. 



His excellency the Governor has very properly recommended to 

 the Legislature, the granting of an enlarged compensation — for that 

 now accorded is unworthy the dignity, wealth, intelligence, and high 

 character of the State of New York, and is wholly disproportioned, 

 even in its aggregate, to the vast interests involved ; for, the results 

 of this survey will add millions to the resources of this State. Its en- 

 lightened Legislature, when they view the whole ground, will doubt- 

 less make more ample provision. 



These remarks are substantially applicable to other States, not 

 excepting the one where we write, which however possesses not 

 the vast resources of its colossal neishbor. We should not have 



