XXIV REPORT OF THE STATE GEOLOGIST. 



Cretaceous, is one to which the State owes much of its wealth, on 

 account of the richness of the soils. which had their origin in its rocks. 

 Mr. Hill's work brings out its structure with reference to the artesian 

 water and other economic features. So the problems of the coal, the 

 gypsum, and the salt, which are now being investigated by Messrs. 

 Cummins and Tarr, will bring out the stratigraphy of the Carbonifer- 

 ous period, while the geology of the older formations in their relation 

 to their useful contents is shown in greater or less detail by Mr. Corn- 

 stock in Central Texas, and Mr. Streeruwitz in the west. 



Thus we have from these reports, in addition to the facts regarding 

 economic geology, valuable as these are themselves, other information 

 regarding the general geologic history of our State, sufficient at least 

 for a present working basis, which will be increased by the observa- 

 tions of each succeeding season, and prove no less valuable in the 

 assistance it will give in the further prosecution of the survey. 



WORK OF THE FIRST YEAR. 

 TOPOGRAPHY. 



TRANS- PECOS TEXAS. 



The geography and topography of the Trans -Pecos region was almost 

 entirely unknown. The location of the different mountains, and even 

 the names by which they are designated, are differently laid down by 

 the various cartographers. I made an effort to secure the assistance 

 of the United States Geological Survey in this district, but being un- 

 successful, I organized a topographic survey there with Mr. W. H. 

 Streeruwitz in charge. 



In order that we might secure the necessary degree of accuracy in 

 the measurement of a base line I made application to Hon. T. C. Men- 

 denhall, Superintendent of the United States Coast and Geodetic Sur- 

 vey, for the loan of a pair of four-metre base bars. The request was 

 granted, and the bars were furnished, and the survey had the use of them 

 without any expense beyond the freight. 



The work that has been done is of as high a degree of accuracy as 

 it is possible to obtain with the instruments at our command, and the 

 maps now finished will be sufficient for the geologic work of next 

 year in that district. 



No trouble is anticipated in keeping the topographic work far enough 

 ahead to prevent any further delays. 



