FIRST ANNUAL REPORT 
Of the 1st Geological District of New- York, by W. 
W. Mather. 
To his Excellency W, L. Marcy, 
Governor of J^ew- York : 
Sir — In obedience to the instructions which I received from you 
in July last, I have the honor to submit an abstract of that part of 
my operations on the geological survey of the 1st district of the 
State, which is connected with the useful and economical applica- 
tions of geology to the various purposes of life. The board of ge 
ologists deemed it expedient that the various scientific facts and lo- 
cal details, unless these were directly applicable to useful purposes, 
should be left to constitute the subject matter of , the final report j 
after the completion of the geological survey. 
My first object, after entering upon the discharge of my duties, 
was, to make a rapid reconnaissance, to seize the great outlines of 
the geological structure of the district, leaving the detailed exami- 
nations to a subsequent period. This examination, rapid as it has 
necessarily been, has led me to appreciate the great practical uti- 
lity that may result from this survey, if it be carried on with the 
minuteness of detail that is desirable, in order to have the natural 
resources of the State fully developed. ^ The discovery of valua- 
ble mineral substances, the construction of great national works, 
architecture, the arts and most of the manufacturing interests, are 
all, more or less nearly connected with a knowledge of the mate- 
rials that form the surface of the earth; and every land-holder is 
personally interested in knowing, not only the agricultural, but the 
mineral riches of his estate. 
Every country has its mines, which are an unfailing source of 
wealth and prosperity, and a science which affords useful hints as 
