XV111 REPORT OF THE STATE GEOLOGIST. 



The short time intervening between the preliminary organization of 

 the Survey and the meeting of the Legislature, for which a report had 

 to be prepared, made it necessary to spend the time in a very rapid 

 reconnoissance of certain localities, in order to bring before that body 

 the proofs that a geological survey was really a necessity. The proofs 

 were so abundant that even within such a short period we were able, 

 by using the services of several special assistants, to secure ample ma- 

 terial for showing that there were mineral deposits in various parts of 

 the State well worthy of such investigation as was contemplated by 

 the law establishing the Survey. 



Having demonstrated this, there followed the more serious business 

 of perfecting the organization, mapping out the work to be done, and 

 the selection and fitting out of the field parties. The working out of 

 these details has been one to which the State Geologist has given his 

 personal attention. They could not be arranged for en masse, but had 

 to be taken up one by one, just as the necessity of the case called 

 them forth. 



The geologists named were each continued in the field with a defi- 

 nite line of work. Mr. Jermy, one of the special geologists of last year, 

 was reappointed to the study of Geology and Botany of Gillespie 

 County. Arrangements are perfected with the laboratory of the Ag- 

 ricultural and Mechanical College, at Bryan, similar to those with the 

 University of Texas, and P. C. Tilson was appointed chemist for 

 special work on the soils, clays, and fertilizers of the State. Mr. T. B. 

 Comstock was engaged for special work in the Central Mineral District 

 during the summer months, and at the close of his engagement he ac- 

 cepted an appointment as Geologist on the Survey. 



Having received assurances from the United States Geological Sur- 

 vey of co-operation in the geologic features of our work, as well as in 

 the topographic, I preferred a request to Maj. J. W. Powell, the 

 Director, asking that Mr. Kobt T. Hill be detailed to carry on the 

 study of the Cretaceous formation in Texas in connection with this 

 Survey. This request was granted, and we have had the services of 

 Mr. Hill, free of any cost to us, except for traveling expenses. 



This completed the general organization, and the various changes 

 which have been made will appear in their proper places. 



