GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES. 5 



ining which, if properly engraved, will form a new era in the exhibition 

 of structural geology. The collections in geology and natural history 

 were very large, and many new forms, recent as well as fossil, were added 

 to science. Some idea of the extent of the collections may be obtained 

 from the catalogues which are appended to this report. I take pleasure 

 in acknowledging the great fidelity of all my assistants to the interests 

 of the survey, and their efficient aid throughout the entire trip. My 

 principal assistant, and associate for many years on the plains, Mr. 

 James Stevenson, rendered me the same faithful and indispensable ser- 

 vices that have characterized his labors in previous expeditions. Mr. 

 Elliott, the artist, worked with untiring zeal, and his sketches and sec- 

 tions have never been surpassed for beauty or clearness in any country. 



The valuable report of Prof. Thomas will furnish ample proof of his 

 constant fidelity to his duties. -I regard his report as of great practi- 

 cal interest to the country. 



Mr. William H. Jackson performed his duties throughout the entire 

 trip with a true enthusiasm for his art, and the result is about 400 nega- 

 tives that have hardly been surpassed for beauty or perfection. These 

 pictures throw great light on the singular geographical and geological 

 features of the West, and are, in my opinion, a real contribution to 

 science as well as to landscape photography. 



Mr. Gifford, although accompanying the party by invitation for the 

 purpose of studying the grand scenery of the Eocky Mountains in an 

 artistic sense, rendered us most efficient aid, and by his genial nature 

 endeared himself to all. 



To Mr. Beaman was assigned the duty of meteorologist, and his report 

 on the subject, herewith appended, will show his zeal in/the work. The 

 elevations, though only approximately true, must be regarded as of great 

 value, extending as they do over a country in which very few observations 

 had previously been made. For a large part of the season we followed the 

 old routes of Fremont and Stansbury, and in our examinations we found 

 their reports of great service. So far as the general geographical 

 features of the country are concerned, and the leading facts useful to 

 the emigrant, we found them to be remarkably accurate, and I take 

 pleasure in bearing my hearty testimony to the zeal and ability of these 

 eminent explorers. So far, however, as the geological structure of 

 the country is concerned, but little of a definite character can be found 

 in their reports. 



In my report of last year I spoke of the great value of the assistance 

 rendered me by the military authorities of the West. I take pleasure in 

 again thanking them for still more valuable kindnesses the present sea- 

 son. Before leaving Washington I called upon the honorable Secretary 

 of War, General Belknap, with a letter from the Secretary of the In- 

 terior, requesting such assistance from the military authorities of the 

 West as could be afforded me without detriment to the service. The 

 Secretary of War at once issued orders in accordance with this request, 



