REPORT 
Of Dr. James E. De Kay on the Zoological Depart- 
ment of the Survey, 
The undersigned, in conformity with instructions from the Exe- 
cutive, respectfully submits the following 
REPORT. 
In consequence of the very late period at which he was called 
upon to exercise the duties of his office, it has been impracticable 
for him to do more than make a very cursory examination of the 
counties in his more immediate vicinity. These, however, furnish 
objects of peculiar interest, and will fully occupy his attention un- 
til the season is sufficiently advanced to commence operations in 
counties more remote. 
The department of science allotted to the undersigned has hith- 
erto attracted but little attention from the American public— 
Slight and imperfect views of its scope and tendency, have led 
many to regard it with indifference, as a branch of knowledge not 
immediately or necessarily connected with the wants or the com- 
forts of man. It may, therefore, not be deemed misplaced, if we 
offer a few remarks, in order to show that its importance and va- 
lue have been improperly underrated. 
Of what possible use, it has been frequently asked, is the study 
of insects, or fishes, or quadrupeds, to the community 1 It may be 
replied, that no one can venture to predict the results of investi- 
gation in any particular branch of knowledge. The labors of 
zoologists, in our own days, have done much to throw light upon 
the history of our globe, and have contributed in no slight degree 
to place our knowledge of its structure upon sure and stable foun- 
dations. Or, to illustrate our position by a reference to the arts — 
the individual who first directed his attention to the vapor of boil- 
ing water, little dreamed that he was viewing an agent which, in 
giving a new stimulus to industry, has furnished support and the 
