FIRST 

 ANNUAL REPORT 



OF THE 



GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OE TEXAS 



E. T. DUMBLE, State Geologist. 



ORGANIZATION. 



The preliminary organization of the Geological and Mineralogical 

 Survey of Texas was effected, as is stated in the First Report of Pro- 

 gress,* by the appointment of W. H. Streeruwitz, W. F. Cummins, and 

 R A. F. Penrose, Jr., Geologists, and J. H. Herndon, Chemist, and the 

 issuance of Circular No. 2, embodying the proposed basis of opera- 

 tions. This reads: 



" The work will be particularly directed : 1st, to a search for ores, 

 minerals, oils, coals, clays, and other materials possessing a commercial 

 value, and the determination of the question, whenever possible, 

 whether they exist in sufficient quantities, and under suitable condi- 

 tions and surroundings, lo make it reasonably certain that it will be 

 profitable to work them ; 2nd, to an investigation of the geologic 

 formation and topography of the country, with a view to determining 

 the probability of obtaining artesian water, and the feasibility of irri- 

 gating from such wells or from streams, shallow wells, or tanks where 

 necessary; 3rd, to the determination of the adaptability of soils to 

 certain crops, and how their fertility can be increased by the use of 

 materials nearest at hand ; and 4th, to the search for and development 

 of useful articles as yet not fully known. 



" The collection of fossils and study of geologic strata, though a 

 necessary concomitant, will be made (as far as is consistent with ob- 

 taining a correct knowledge of their character and influences) subordi- 

 nate and subsidiary to the economic features of the survey." 



* Texas Geological and Mineralogical Survey. First Report of Progress. Austin, 1889. 



p. 1. 



A* 



