260 
[Assembly 
England has yet in progress the ordnance geological survey, which 
is under the able direction of H. T. De La Beche, F. R. S» from whom 
we have an important report, in a volume of 648 pages, which has been 
made during the last year. It embraces a very detailed account of the 
geology of Cornwall, Devonshire and West Somerset, and is accompa= 
nied with numerous coloured maps and sections. It is worthy of no= 
tice that the district on which the labors of De La Beche have been ex- 
pended, is one which has already received the attention of almost all 
the distinguished geologists of that country. Still the government in 
consideration of the importance of the subject, is urging forward the ac- 
complishment of a new and thorough survey, as rapidly as is consistent 
with perfect accuracy* 
France too, prior to 1833, had ordered a geological map of the whole 
kingdom, and which has been executed by M. M. Ehe de Beaumont 
and Dufrenoy; These facts are stated, that it may be more generally 
known that government surveys of this kind are not confined to this 
country ; and also, that it may be known in what light works of this 
kind are vievved in Europe. 
Individuals in their private capacity, and at their own expense, may 
and do accomplish much, aiid the country ought to have them in esteem 
as promoters of the public welfare. Yet it cannot ro ought not to be 
expected that individuals can accomplish for a long period to come, sur- 
veys of this country. In the mean time much would be lost in various 
ways, if left to individual exertion, for want of exact knowledge in this 
department of science ; and in particular, much would be expended in 
speculations in a business, the principles of which are but little known, 
and but imperfectly established^ The expression of these views, I am 
sensible is unimportant to the enlightened body before whom they are 
to be laid ; yet they rriay assist in sustaining a policy which may not be 
so well understood by those whose means of information is, for any cause, 
deficient. 
In this report I shall speak of the subjects in nearly the order in 
which they were investigated in the field. I shall, therefore, in the first 
place invite your attention to the iron ores of Essex and Clinton coun- 
ties. I shall describe each collection of ore under the name by which 
it is known in its immediate vicinity. It is not my intention to be very 
minute in my details at this time : those considerations which are of A 
general nature, it is deemed are more suitable to an annual report. 
