PREFACE. 



In the following Report that part of the great Jones Valley, 

 or Birmingham fold, lying in tiie counties of Blount and 

 Etowah, is specially presented. 



The geological reconnoisance on which it is based was 

 made several years ago, when the mineral contents of the 

 region were wholly undeveloped. Average, or fairly repre- 

 sentative samples of all the ore beds, or in most of the 

 mineral area, could not then be obtained. To avoid the ap- 

 pearance of giving undue prominence to certain places, and 

 too little to others, of favoritism or partiality, it was deemed 

 fairer to all sections and parties to make no analyses of 

 special samples, but to subject all alike to the same judg- 

 ment of quality, and approximate per centage of metal. 



Since the text was written iron ore mines, and limestone 

 quarries have been extensively worked near Village Springs, 

 the Compton Mines; and brown ore, near the middle of the 

 valley, the Champion Mines; building rock quarried near 

 Oneonta, and red ore mined at DuBois Station ; in each of 

 these places the estimate of quantity and quality of the ore, 

 as given in this report, has been fully realized, and more 

 than realized in the quality of the limestone and building 

 rock. It is, therefore, with increased confidence in its general 

 correctness that this brief sketch is submitted to the public. 



Chepultepec, Ala., June, 1890. 



