PREFACE 
The accompanying papers by Mr E. R. Cumings and Prof. 
Charles S. Prosser embody the results of work prosecuted by or 
under the direction of the latter in connection with his duties as 
professor of geology at Union college. Both present some im- 
portant additions to our knowledge of the lower Silurian forma- 
tions. Prof. Prosser and Mr Cumings have found and delineated 
a clear line of division between the Utica and Hudson river forma- 
tions in Montgomery county, a feature which has heretofore been 
obscure. Prof. Prosser gives with detail and precision a number of 
sections of the early Silurian strata in the Mohawk valley and 
Saratoga county, some of which have been less accurately recorded 
and others are here placed on record for the first time. The work 
of these gentlemen has been freely contributed for publication as a 
bulletin of this department. 
Joun M. CLARKE 
State paleontologist 
Albany 26 April 1899 
