1875.] 421 [State Survey. 



readily appreciate the importance of a re-survey than would Dr. 

 Hitchcock if he were still living. 



The complicated character of our rocky strata renders it necessary 

 that not only should much time be given in the field to the elucida- 

 tion of the structure, but that this work should be in the hands of 

 the most able of the distinguished geologists whose services can be 

 secured, — those whose experience in the field, both within and with- 

 out our borders, and whose thorough practical acquaintance with 

 rocks and minerals shall have fitted them peculiarly for the work. 

 Perhaps there is no portion of our country where the rock-formations 

 require more accurate study than in Massachusetts in order to their 

 full understanding, and it is by no means certain that such thorough 

 examination as is suggested, may not reveal mineral wealth that will 

 a hundred fold repay the pecuniary cost of the work to the State, 

 leaving out of question all other considerations. 



Sooner or later, it may safely be predicted, coal, in not inconsider- 

 able quantities, will be economically mined within our State, adjoin- 

 ing the Rhode Island boundary, and it may depend upon the result of 

 a new survey whether the present or a remote generation shall have 

 the advantage of the deposits known at least to occupy some consid- 

 erable extent of territory. 



The remarkable discovery, too, of lead ore, bearing silver in con- 

 siderable quantity, in Newbury, lately made, suggests forcibly the 

 wisdom of a more accurate study of our rocks than can be made 

 otherwise than by thoroughly scientific and long continued work, only 

 to be accomplished through your action. 



Of great importance, too, does the Society deem the proposed bio- 

 logical survey, as every passing year demonstrates more and more the 

 necessity of as full a knowledge as can be gained of all the life within 

 our territory, whether subservient or injurious to the welfare of man. 

 But as the memorial of the Essex Institute, presented with this, 

 dwells fully upon this branch of inquiry, it is not thought advisable 

 for this Society to more than express full concurrence in the views so 

 ably presented by that body. This Society will, however, express 

 strongly the feeling held by it, that any survey undertaken by the 

 State should be as thorough and complete in every respect as can be 

 made in the present state of science; and it would dep^cate any 

 partial action as one not justified by enlarged views of the require- 

 ments of the period, or based on true econDmy. 



