REPORTS OF GEOLOGISTS. Clll 



REPORT OF MR. J. H. HERNDON. 



Austin, Texas, November 7, 1890. 

 Hon. E. T. Dumble, State Geologist: 



Dear Sir — In accordance with your instructions of June 8, for me to un- 

 dertake the study of Smith County and make a report on its geology, with 

 especial regard to its economic features, I took the field on June 22 and made 

 a rapid reconnaissance of the county, which has an area of nine hundred and 

 fifty-seven square miles, and necessarily took a long time in order to get a 

 general idea of its geology. This was followed by a systematic study of the 

 county in detail. 



I made Tyler my headquarters, and rode over the whole county on horse- 

 back, and have succeeded in mapping out the iron ore beds, pottery clays, 

 lignites, and other economic products. My aim has been to present the eco- 

 nomic features of the county in such a shape that they may readily be grasped 

 by all, in the hope that by leaving out the details of stratigraphy, which have 

 been discussed at length by other geologists, that this brief report would meet 

 the wishes of those most interested in developing the mineral resources of the 

 county. 



I desire to express my thanks to Mr. R. T. Hill for valuable hints and as- 

 sistance. 



In conclusion, my thanks as well as my gratitude are due you for the per- 

 sonal interest you took in me by visiting me and giving me a fair start in my 

 work. The valuable instructions and methods of investigation which you 

 imparted to me in those few days when you were with me, the perfect free- 

 dom and the many facilities afforded me in presenting this work, have rend- 

 ered it a possibility. 



Very respectfully, 



J. H. HERNDON, 

 Chemist in Charge, Geological Survey of Texas. 



REPORT OF MR. W. KENNEDY. 



Austin, Texas, December 19, 1890. 

 Hon. E. T. Dumble, State Geologist: 



Dear Sir — The work assigned to me during last season is detailed in your 

 letter of instructions under date March 28, 1890, as follows: 



"The work to which you are assigned for the present is the continuation 



