540 



Scientific Geology. 



poses, and collected for the Government and for the three Colleges in 

 the State, not less than 5000 specimens of rocks and minerals : 

 1550 of which belong to the Government collection.* Yet I can- 

 not but perceive great imperfections and deficiencies in my account of 

 our rocks : and I have become more and more impressed with the idea, 

 that a much longer period was indispensable to enable any man to 

 obtain a full and complete account of the geology and mineralogy of 

 nearly 8000 square miles of surface, so diversified as Massachusetts. 

 Indeed, had I not, previous to receiving my commission, traveled 

 nearly as far, and obtained nearly as much information relative to our 

 geology, as since that period, my report could hardly have been toler- 

 able — if it be so now. As it is, I can regard it only as a commence- 

 ment of the work of exploring our rocks and minerals. The field 

 yet remains open for the admission of other and more able laborers, 

 who I doubt not may reap many an abundant harvest. If my efforts 

 shall aid or encourage those who may come after me, they will not 

 have been made in vain. 



I cannot close without expressing to your Excellency, how gratifi- 

 ing it has been to me, to act in this whole business, under the direc- 

 of one whose views have been so liberal in regard to it; whose coun- 

 sels and instructions have been so judicious and encouraging ; and 

 whose personal attention and kindness have laid me under very strong 

 obligations. 



Nor can I omit to mention the universal disposition which I have 

 found manifested by all classes of the citizens of the Commonwealth, 

 and in every part of it, to do all in their power to forward the objects of 

 my commission. This is among the circumstances that gave so much 

 interest to all my geological tours, and renders the retrospect of them 

 among the most delightful recollections of my life. The excursions, 

 I am happy to confess, have greatly exalted my opinion of the kind- 

 ness, intelligence, and happy condition of our population, and sensibly 

 increased my attachment to my native State. 



Finally, and above all, I would not close without acknowledging 

 my supreme obligations to Him whose providential care and kindness 

 have followed me in all my wanderings, not permitting even a hair of 

 my head to be injured ; and who has enabled me to bring at length 

 to a conclusion, one of the most laborious enterprises of my days. 

 To Him I desire to consecrate the fruits of this labor and of all the 



— . — , _ , — — p 



Instead of 1200, as stated on page 3. 



