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NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



tary of state was " requested to report to the Legislature at its 

 next session, the most expedient method of obtaining a complete 

 geological survey of the state, which shall furnish a scientific 

 and perfect account of its rocks, soils and minerals, and of their 

 localities; a list of all its mineralogical, botanical and zoological 

 productions, and provide for procuring and preserving specimens 

 of the same; together with an estimate of the expenses which 

 may attend the prosecution of the design, and of the cost of 

 publication of an edition of 3000 copies of the report, drawings 

 and a geological map of the results." 



In pursuance of the request contained in this resolution, the* 

 secretary of state, Hon. John A. Dix, presented a report 1 at the 

 session of the Legislature in 1836, which contained much valu- 

 able information with reference to what had already been done 

 toward developing the mineral resources of the state, giving a 

 summary of our knowledge of the subject at that time, and 

 discussing several questions of great interest; for example, the 

 salt and salt-bearing formations, our mineral springs and the- 

 probabilities of finding coal within the limits of the state. He 

 also gave a statement of what had been done in other states,, 

 and of work in a similar direction elsewhere in progress or in 

 contemplation. 



Under their distinctive heads, he discussed the botany and 

 zoology of the state, and gave reasons why each should receive- 

 due attention. 



The report concluded with the recommendation of a plan for 

 the geological survey by a subdivision of the state into four 

 districts, a plan which, with some modifications, was carried 

 out in the final organization. This plan contemplated the em- 

 ployment of two geologists for each district, which was subse- 

 quently modified by the appointment of one geologist with an 

 assistant, for each district. One mineralogist was appointed for 

 the entire state, and also one botanist and one zoologist. 



As shown by the accompanying maps, the first district con- 



1 Report of the secretary of state in relation to a geological survey of the 

 state, dated Jan. 6, 1836. Assembly doc. no. 9, 1836. 



