62 
[Assembly 
to the geographical positions in which they are likely to be found, 
and which enables the practiced eye to trace out their particular 
localities, cannot but be appreciated. The mineral resources of 
our country have been but imperfectly developed, and the people 
are eager to commence their researches on the slightest indica- 
tions, and many have been duped, in consequence of the interested 
motives of individuals. Companies have been formed and excava- 
tions made, in localities where a practical geologist would have 
said at a glance, there was no probability that the substance for 
which they were searching would be found. Certain mineral sub- 
stances occur, so constantly associated with other particular mine- 
rals, that on finding one, the others may be expected to occur as- 
sociated with it. Without a knowledge of these associations, and 
various other facts connected with geology, which require much 
practical knowledge, attempts at new discoveries, except by mere 
chance, must be fruitless. The hundreds of excavations in diffe- 
rent parts of the country, made under the delusive hope of reap- 
ing a rich reward, attest the zeal for mineral exploration, and the 
want of that practical and theoretical knowledge, which are neces- 
sary for the successful prosecution of mining enterprises. 
If a higher place were allotted to mineralogy and geology in our 
colleges and universities, and the practical applications of these sci- 
ences were made common, by means of county and State geoiogi- 
cal societies, and by suitable elementary books in our academies 
and schools, many important advantages would be the result. Ma- 
ny fruitless mining explorations would be prevented, and the va- 
ried and rich mineral resources of the State would be more rapidly 
developed, by causing thousands of eyes to be observing, where 
few are now engaged. 
Such developments of our resources will give rise to a multi- 
tude of new sources of industry, and profitable investment of ca- 
pital, and consequently, add to the wealth and prosperity of the 
State. 
Unless some subsidiary means like those suggested, to attract 
public attention and make every one an observer of natural facts 
and phenomena, or additional assistants be provided in my district, 
it seems scarcely possible to complete the survey in four years, 
with that minuteness of detail, which is necessary to its successful 
accomplishment. 
