No. 50.] 
43 
You are aware that my department of the Survey inckides an exa- 
mination of the mineral waters of the State, and what I have heretofore 
done in regard to this branch will be found in my second Annual Re- 
port. The specific object to which my attention is directed during the 
present season does not allow me time to follow up these investigations. 
As Dr. Steele was for many years engaged in the examination of the 
waters of Saratoga, I thought it would be more proper for me to take 
up others less known. It is my intention, however, before the comple- 
tion of the Survey, to analyze with care the waters of one or two of 
the most important of these springs. 
Our next journey, on which we start to-morrow, will be through the 
counties of Lewis, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence. In my next I hope 
to be able to give you an account of it. 
With great respect, 
your obed't servant, 
LEWIS C. BECK. 
