No. 338.] 
II 
When the Geological Survey was commenced, very little w^^as known 
in reference to the position of the rocks, or of the classes to which 
they belonged. Coal was sought for in the slates of the Hudson river, 
and in the black shales of the west, and it had been proposed to bore 
through the red sandstone of Rochester for the same mineral. In this 
state of things, without any certain knowledge, it was of the utmost 
importance that geological investigations should be instituted, to clear 
up difficulties and furnish an unerring guide in the search for useful 
materials. 
The Geologists have proceeded to their work, having in view the 
great object of settling permanently the position of our rock formations. 
They have been able to decide the position of the true coal formation, 
and to show that the rocks where it has been sought are far below it^ 
and consequently such search will be fruitless. 
Every year, individuals or companies are met with, who are boring 
or digging in some one of the dark shales of the western and southern 
part of the State for coal. The information diffused by this survey 
will convince every one of the utter uselessness of this labor, and show 
the true position of the rocks. To accompHsh this object, time will be 
necessary to lay down accurately on a map, the extent and limits of the 
several formations. Negative knowledge can be given when positive 
knowledge cannot be obtained, that is, if localities of coal cannot be 
shown, it can be proved that it does not exist where now sought. From 
data obtained in various parts of the State, your committee are inform- 
ed that nearly ten times the cost of this whole survey has been expend- 
ed by individuals and associations in fruitless search for this mineral. 
This is but one example among many. Other minerals and metals 
have been sought in rocks where it was equally impossible to find them, 
though perhaps not to the same extent, or with as much expense as 
coal. 
Your committee believe that when the results of the Geological Sur- 
vey shall be spread before the people, all these vain enterprises will 
be abandoned, and the labor now foolishly wasted be directed to profita- 
ble pursuits. 
The scientific character of this work commends it also to the most 
favorable regard of the Legislature. The final report of this survey, 
if prepared as the public have reason to expect, will be superior to any 
thing of the kind which has as yet been presented to the world. The 
