REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR I9II 39 



the occurrence of that mineral and to increase the collections with 

 some handsome specimens. The geological features of the deposits 

 have already been described by C. H. Smyth, jr. 



The occurrence of zinc in commercial quantity in the State seems 

 to be fairly well established by recent exploration which has been 

 under way near Edwards, St Lawrence county. At the time the 

 deposits were inspected in the early summer, explorations had 

 reached a depth of one hundred feet on one of the ore bodies, 

 showing a continuous vein or band of zinc blende all the way. It 

 is reported that active mining work will be started early next season. 

 Besides the group of ore bodies near Edwards, which thus far have 

 alone been developed to any extent, zinc blende has been discovered 

 at several places in the stretch of country between Edwards and 

 Sylvia Lake, where most of the fibrous talc is mined. The occur- 

 rence of the two series of deposits in close proximity, as well as 

 in the same geological formations, may have some underlying prin- 

 ciple and invites investigation. 



Interest in the so-called gold sands of the Adirondacks has con- 

 tinued ; many inquiries in regard to the matter, also samples of the 

 sands from different localities, have been submitted during the year. 

 It does not appear from any information obtainable that substantial 

 progress has been made toward a commercial solution of the ques- 

 tion and until this is reached there can be no basis for soliciting 

 public support in the ventures. The recording of claims, meanwhile, 

 is the most active manifestation of enterprise. 



Office work. In addition to the research work the office duties 

 have involved considerable correspondence on matters relating to 

 the mineral resources of the State. So far as may be consistent 

 it is aimed to make the information and facilities at hand available 

 to the public. Samples of ores and minerals may be submitted for 

 identification or an opinion as to their commercial value when it can 

 be given without quantitative assay or chemical analysis. Inves- 

 tigations of the latter kind for private purposes are rather the func- 

 tion of commercial laboratories than of a geological survey. 



SEISMOLOGIC STATION 



In March 191 1 the seismographic station completed the fifth year 

 of service. From the start it has shown a degree of efficiency 

 creditable to the mechanical equipment and has fully demonstrated 

 the practicability of conducting observations of this kind under the 

 somewhat peculiar natural conditions that obtain in its vicinity. The 



