PREFACE. 
xv 
towards the inaccuracies of detail which must inevitably accompany such 
a first outline of regions which they traversed rapidly and only partially 
examined. But although when engaged in the pursuit of a favourite 
science their chief end was to test the truth of certain broad generaliza- 
tions, suggested by the examination of other countries, they have reason 
to hope, that their labours may somewhat aid in administering to the 
wants of their kind friends in Russia. A government which controls 
the power and rouses the latent energies of so great a country, is ever 
desirous to know, what are the tracts within its rule, in which from 
their structure no useful minerals are to be found, as well as, on the 
other hand, to be acquainted with those districts wherein such sub - 
stances may be searched for with reasonable hopes of success. Russia, 
in truth, stands pre-eminently in need of correct internal exploration, 
and to no country can the revelations of the geologist be of higher 
importance. Covered, as she has been, with magnificent forests, which 
have hitherto supplied her inhabitants alike with shelter and with fuel’ 
the time is fast approaching (and in some large tracts has already 
arrived) when these resources will no longer meet the exigencies of an 
increasing population, daily advancing in their acquaintance with the 
comforts, arts and manufactures of civilized life. Under these circum- 
stances a prudent government naturally asks, where are we to seek for 
the best building-stones and limestones for constructing new edifices 
and public works ? Does not the level surface of our land naturally 
suggest to us the advantage of railroads to connect our chief cities, and 
is it not an important inquiry how these great national objects can be 
best effected ? Where, in a word, can we look for coal to further our 
enterprises, and where can we never find it ? 
These, indeed, are but a few of the most obviously important econo- 
mical queries to which the geologist is enabled to reply ; and the extent 
to which such questions have been answered will be seen in the body 
of the first volume. To their ensuing pages, therefore, the authors 
must now refer ; though in the meantime they may assure the reader, 
