Note. — In an introductory letter to the first volume, it was stated that an effort had 

 been made by the enemies of the Survey to break it up, by repealing the law under 

 which it was organized, and that it was only saved from destruction by the interposi- 

 tion of the executive veto. In making this statement, we inadvertently omitted to 

 mention to whom the cause of science was indebted for this noble interference in her 

 behalf; and it is but just to his Excellency, the Hon. Richard Yates, to say that it is 

 to him that the Survey is indebted for its present existence, and for the opportunity to 

 bring out for the information of the public so much of the results as are comprised in 

 these two volumes. We feel assured that this noble act will be remembered and ap- 

 preciated by the friends of science everywhere. A. H. W. 



