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 arid 

 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 

 iDulletin of this department. 



John M. Clarke 



State paleontologist 

 Albany 26 April 1899 



