STATE OF NEW-YORK. 
IN ASSEMBLY, 
April 28, 1840 
REPORT 
Of the select committee, on so much of the Gover- 
nor's Message as relates to the Geological Sur- 
vey. 
Mr. Denniston, from the select committee on so much of the Gover- 
nor's Message as relates to the Geological Survey, 
REPORTS: 
Your committee have learned, from the superficial investigation 
which they have been able to give the important and interesting sub- 
ject committed to their care, that the attention of the Legislature was 
directed to a Geological Survey of the State at an early period. Go- 
vernor Clinton, in his last annual message, and in former messages, re- 
commended legislative encouragement to mineralogical researches 
throughout the State. The principal object then had in view, was the 
discovery of coal beds, which, from various geological indications, were 
believed to be located within our limits. The immense value of that 
article to our country, was, at that time, well understood ; and subse- 
quent experience has shown that its value has not, and cannot be over- 
rated. 
It was not, however, until the year 1835, that efficient measures 
were taken by the Legislature to accomplish a general Geological Sur- 
vey of the State. The Assembly of that year, seem to have been 
a\^akened to the acknowledged obligations of government to advance 
[Assembly, No. 338.J 1 
