No. 338.] 
3 
tion. Soon after the adjournment of the previous Legislature, the Se- 
cretary of State had addressed a circular letter, containing a copy of 
the resolution of the Assembly, to a large number of scientific gentle- 
men, in different parts of the country, requesting the communication 
of their views in relation to the proposed survey. This was done in 
order that he might avail himself of the best information which the 
country afforded in discharging the duty which had been devolved upon 
him. 
The plan of the survey which the Secretary of State proposed, your 
committee believe to have been as perfect as the circumstances of the 
case would admit. 
That plan divided the State into four geological districts. The pri- 
mitive and transition formations along the Hudson river, from Wash- 
ington and Saratoga counties, and including the Catskill mountains and 
the Highlands to the southeastern extremity of the State, were thrown 
into the first district. The northern primitive formation, from Lake 
George to the St. Lawrence river, including Hamilton county, compri- 
ses the second district. The counties including the Salt Springs, were 
assigned to the third district. And most of tlie counties in which a 
continuation of the coal formation of Pennsylvania might be expected 
to be found, to the fourth district. 
The time assigned for the completion of the survey was four years, 
which will expire in July next. With respect to the botanical, zoolo- 
gical and paloeontological departments, tlie division of the State into 
districts has nothing to do. These subjects, from their nature, are in- 
divisible. The expense of the survey, including the final reports, was 
estimated at $104,000. 
The plan of the survey which was then submitted included many de- 
tails, which, for the purpose of this report, it is unnecessary to repeat. 
The progress of the survey thus far has been mainly according to 
the original plan. Not as many surveyors have been employed as it 
contemplated. Consequently, the time allotted for the survey will be 
insufficient. Your committee believe, however, that the original esti- 
mate of the expense will not be much, if any, exceeded. 
The condition of the survey is such, that it will be utterly impossi- 
ble to complete it in a manner commensurate with its objects and the cha- 
