head of general geology, we have to investigate the nature of the 

 different rock formations which are spread out in the valleys or piled 

 up in the immense mountain masses which traverse the State. We 

 endeavor to ascertain of what materials they are composed ; how 

 originally formed or deposited ; what changes they have undergone 

 since their deposition, and by what agencies these changes have been 

 brought about. We search for and describe the fossil remains which 

 the stratified rocks contain, and thus are enabled to compare them 

 with the formations of other countries and to fix their relation, geo 

 logical age and position. We then trace over the surface of the 

 State and lay down upon the map the range and extent or the geo 

 logical distribution of the different systems and groups of rocks, 

 and exhibit their stratigraphical relations, or position with regard to 

 each other, by means of sections, showing the configuration of the 

 surface and the character of the rocks beneath it, along certain lines 

 measured and examined for the purpose. By these preliminary op 

 erations we are prepared with the necessary basis on which to proceed 

 with the next great division of our work, namely, the economical 

 geology. Without this scientific part of the survey, the practical 

 would have no permanent value, for it would be nothing but an in 

 coherent mass of material such as our newspapers are filled with, 

 not put into form or reduced to system, so as to be generally appli 

 cable and easily comprehended. After and while tracing out the 

 various geological formations and getting their sequence thoroughly 

 established, we endeavor to discover and classify the metallic and 

 mineral treasures which they contain, to ascertain their position and 

 mode of occurrence, or, in other words, to gather all the facts neces 

 sary to enable us to determine their present and prospective value, 

 and to show how and under what conditions they may be best made 

 available for the industrial purposes of life. In doing this we fur 

 nish a basis for detailed explorations for further deposits of metallic 

 and mineral treasures, by limiting the field for research for numerous 

 prospectors always engaged in the search for useful ores, so that 

 every man will be working where his labor will tell, and not throwing 

 it away in undertakings which a comprehensive view of the mode of 

 occurrence and geological position of our economically valuable ma 

 terials will show to be a mere waste of money, time and energy. I 

 do not hesitate to say that millions have been wasted in this State, 

 for want of just that information which we shall be prepared to sup 

 ply, and which, indeed, we have already supplied to a considerable 

 extent to those asking for it. Every year sees an addition to the 



