PREFACE 



The present volume is the fifth of a series of reports dealing with the 

 systematic geology and paleontology of Maryland, the Lower Cretaceoias, 

 Eocene, Miocene, and Plio- Pleistocene deposits having already been fully 

 described. 



The present volume is devoted to a consideration of the Lower Devonian 

 deposits and their contained faunas. The Devonian rocks are represented 

 in western Maryland by a very thick series of limestones, sandstones, and 

 shales, often containing abundant remains of the marine life that flour- 

 ished at the time they were deposited in the yarymg seas that covered the 

 present site of the Alleghanies. 



The discussion of the Lower Devonian is the combined work of a num- 

 ber of individuals, most of whom are specialisto in their respective fields 

 of research. It also embodies the results of dissertations submitted to 

 the Johns Hopkins University by Dr. E. B. Eowe, since deceased, by Dr. 

 D. W. Ohem, now State Geologist of Oklahoma, and by Dr. T. P. 

 Maynard, formerly Assistant State Geologist of Georgia. 



Dr. Charles Schuchert of Yale University has contributed a chapter on 

 Devonian Geography and the systematic parts treating of the Lower 

 Devonian Echinodermata and most of the Brachiopoda. 



Dr. Charles S. Prosser of the Ohio State University has prepared the 

 historical review and bibliography. 



Dr. Charles K. Swartz of the Johns Hopkins University has revised the 

 stratigraphic results of the various contributors both in the field and in 

 the office. He has edited the work of the different authors and has written 

 the chapter on correlation, as well as the systematic account of the 

 Ccelenterata. 



The Maryland Geological Survey has had the benefit of the cooperation 

 of the United States Geological Survey. Mr. George W. Stose of that 

 organization has cooperated in the field work, and also furnished several 

 of the photographs used in the present volume. 



