developed during the progress of our work and finally brought into 

 shape at the time of the publication of the volume devoted to geology. 

 (See Preface, Geology of California, Vol. I., where, also, a resume of the 

 movements of the various parties of the survey, up to the close of the 

 year eighteen hundred and sixty-five, is given.) According to this plan 

 the survey is divided into three principal departments, each of which is 

 again divided into subordinate branches. 



The main divisions with the subdivisions may by seen at a glance in 

 the annexed scheme : 



A. Topography. 1. Topographical Survey and Maps; 2. Physical 

 Geography. 



B. Geology. 1. General Geology; 2. Palaeontology; 3. Economical 

 Geology; including Mining and Metallurgy. 



C. Natural History. 1. Botany; 2. Zoology. 



To the above must be added the collection of a museum of geology 

 and natural history, to illustrate the resources and geological structure 

 of the States and Territories of the Pacific Coast. 



Each one of the subdivisions specified above demands one or more 

 volumes of the published series, for the results embraced in it. The 

 number of volumes depends, of course, on the thoroughness with which 

 the work is performed, and that again on the amount of money appro 

 priated. 



The following scheme shows the lowest and the highest number of 

 volumes contemplated in each department : 



Of the condition of these volumes, as regards progress in preparation 

 for the press, information will be given further on. 



The original Act authorizing the survey, provided for such a complete 

 examination of the State and report on all departments of the geogra 

 phy, geology, and natural history, as is contemplated in the above 

 synopsis of the proposed volumes; and, although the plan may to 

 some have seemed too vast in its scope for the intelligence and the 

 resources of the State, yet it is my firm opinion that if ever carried to 

 completion, its suitableness will be more and more appreciated as the 

 State increases in wealth and civilization. Had the appropriations 



