No. 32.J 
7 
our localities explored by geologists, and our rocks cited as expo- 
nents and guides in every other part of the Union, where rocks of 
the same age exist ; we must give to the world the means of know- 
ing these formations thoroughly by their fossils. Even were the de- 
mands of science unheeded, we should not forget the position we have 
to maintain as the State which has given a nomenclature to the geo- 
logical formations which occupy so large a portion of the United 
States. 
I have, on another occasion, procured the evidence of other per- 
sons, who have been engaged in similar investigations, to show that 
time has not been wasted upon the work.* 
It is true, the publication has been embarrased and delayed from 
the uncertainty which has existed regarding its completion ; and I be- 
lieve every one can understand that no work of the kind can pro- 
gress steadily and rapidly, while there remains any uncertainty re- 
garding it. It was impossible under the circumstances, to form and 
carry forward any extended plan for the afrangement of the different 
portions, or of the labor to be devoted to these different parts of the 
work. 
In replying to the third enquiry of the resolution, I shall find it 
necessary to mention some causes of delay which are not within my 
own control. 
The law of 1847 recognized the extension of the work beyond a 
single volume, which at the time of the passage of that law was 
nearly completed ; the letter press entirely printed. This law pro- 
vides that the geologists shall receive a salary for two years and no 
longer. The same law providesfor making contracts with engravers, 
&c. The amount of work then known to be required for the Palse- 
ontology, was two hundred and fifty plates ; and the contracts made 
under this law" recognized that number. I believed at the time that I 
could complete the work in three years, and I fully intended to 
do so. 
The steel engravings for the 1st volume was not completed in Oc- 
tober, 1847 ; consequently no progress was made in the engraving 
*See letters of Profs. Agassiz, Silliman, Dana and Gould, in report of commit- 
tee, Assembly Document, No. 9, pages 69, 75, 1850. 
