15 
truly accurate survey on an adequate scale, Government 
established, under the direction of Sir Henry de la Beche, 
a geological survey of Great Britain in connexion with the 
Board of Ordnance. The survey then established, and since 
extended to Ireland, is now in full operation under the de- 
partment of Works : the local direction for Ireland has been 
entrusted to Mr. Beete Jukes ; the survey of England and Scot- 
land is entrusted to my care, both being subject to the control 
of Sir Henry de la Beche as Director General. The basis of the 
survey is the Ordnance maps. A specimen of a portion of the 
work executed in England and Wales hangs on the wall, and 
when a sufficient area has been topographically surveyed, and 
other needful arrangements made, the survey will commence ope- 
rations in Scotland. 
On this extended scale, with a correct topographical basis 
to work upon, it is evident that a skilful geologist can lay 
down a multitude of facts in a style that, both for accuracy 
of general outline, and minuteness of detail, was formerly 
undreamed of by geologists ; and I think I may be permitted 
to say, that great has been the benefit accruing, and yet greater 
will accrue, from this work, alike scientifically and econo- 
mically. The boundaries of every formation, and of each 
of their subdivisions, of every igneous mass, intrusive or bedded, 
with all their accompanying intricacies of interstratified slates 
and volcanic ashes, the run of workable slates, of beds of 
freestone, limestone, and gypsum, every dislocation, metalliferous 
lode, and outcrop of coal, are traced with all that minuteness 
of detail admissable on this comparatively extended scale. 
These are accompanied by enlarged illustrative longitudinal 
and vertical sections, drawn in true proportion . As an instance 
of their value, I would remind you that the broadest and deepest 
coal-field in Great Britain is that of South Wales. After the 
publication of the maps of that country, landowners, coal 
proprietors, coal viewers, and mining engineers, all acknow- 
ledged their importance ; and I had the satisfaction of hearing 
the observation of a gentleman well versed in mining and scien- 
tific geology, “ that the publication of the Government maps 
had placed them thirty years in advance of what they were 
