a 
ae Northampton, Mass., Aug. 1, 1864, 
264 Geological Survey of California. 
it was at the commencement of the present geological epoch: what were 
once valleys are now ridges, and the ridges of former times were where 
the immense cafions of the rivers flowing down the western slope of the 
Sierra now are. The proof of this assertion, and the interesting bearin 
it has on the tunnel and hydraulic mining interests of California, will be 
fully set forth in the Reports of the Survey. 
The Mammalian remains found in the tunnel and placer diggings of 
California seem to belong to two distinct epochs. The oldest represents 
the Pliocene, the other the Post-tertiary. The former are found under the 
volcanic beds, the latter in deposits which have been formed since the 
period of greatest volcanic activity, and which apparently belong to the 
ch of Man. For it appears that the facts collected by this Survey, 
when fully laid before the public, will justify the assertion that the mas- 
todon and elephant, whose remains are so widely and abundantly scattered 
before the scientific public with as little delay as possible. 
4, Metallurgy and Mining—P articular attention will be paid to these 
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_ 5. Botany.—It is believed that the progress in this department, under 
Prof. Brewer’s direction, has been sufficient to warrant the assertion that 
a “ Manu: Botan alifornia” will form a portion of the w 
of the Survey. The large collections o plants already made have been 
help to the study of the botany of the Pacific coast. 
6. Zoology.—The working up of the zoological collections of the Sur- 
vey is now in progress under Dr. Cooper’s direction. It has not yet been 
ecided how many volumes will be required for their full deseription and 
illustration. 
m 
been already stated, they will be sold at a moderate price, and the pro 
as required by law, paid over to the common school fund of the 
J. D, Waitney- 
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