ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1875. 71 



formed, the report of Col. Whittlesey on the iron region in the north- 

 ern part of the state. 



" Descriptions of new species of fossils," made by Prof. Hall, ac- 

 companying his report of progress to Gov. Randall, in December, 

 1860, were subsequently embodied in the first volume of his report, 

 pi^blished in 1862. 



The report of John Murrish, as commissioner of the survey of the 

 lead district, made to Gov. Lucius Fairchild, and submitted Avith 

 the governor's message in 1871, contains many useful, practical sug- 

 gestions by an experienced miner and intelligent man. Whilst this 

 report does not, in our judgment, successfully combat the scientific 

 conclusions of Prof. Whitney, it exhibits comprehensive views, and 

 gives valuable hints to explorers for mineral deposits. Doubtless, if 

 the labors of experienced miners, like Mr. Murrish, and the labors of 

 purely scientific geologists could be combined, better practical results 

 might be obtained. 



Under the provisions of the present law, the geological corps was 

 organized by the appointment of I. A. Lapham as chief geologist, 

 and Prof. E. D. Irving, Prof. T. C. Chamberlin and Mr. Moses 

 Strong as assistants. The commission of the first, issued by Gov. C. 

 C. Washburn, was dated April 10, 1873. The commissions of the 

 assistants were dated April 30, 1873. 



For an account of work accomplished by this corps during the years 

 1873 and 1874, the undersigned has the honor to refer your excel- 

 lency to the brief rejDorts of progress made by the chief at the close 

 of those years, and the accompanying voluminous reports made by 

 his assistants, together with maps, profiles, tables, etc. 



The commission of the undersigned bears date February 16, 1875. 

 His predecessor was appointed by Gov. Washburn, in the spring of 

 1873, after the adjournment of the legislature. His name was not 

 sent to the senate for confirmation during the session of the subse- 

 quent legislature. It was therefore decided (so the undersigned is 

 informed) by the judiciary committee of the senate, in the early part 

 of the session of the last legislature, that the office of chief geologist 

 w:as vacant. His Excellency, Gov. Wm. R. Taylor, did the xinder- 

 signed the honor to send in his name to the senate, and the senate 

 confirmed the appointment with singular unanimity. 



The assistant geologists, following a rule of courtesy under such cir- 

 cumstances, offered to surrender their commissions. The newly ap- 

 pointed chief requested them to withdraw their resignations, and to 

 continue their work. With this request they cheerfully complied. 



