X 
PREFACE. 
Volhynia and Podolia, extensive observations were yet wanted before 
any well-grounded attempt could be made to propound such a general 
view of Russian geological classification as that which is now put 
forth. Viewing the subject in this light, the Count de Cancrine laid 
before His Imperial Majesty a project for a well-combined additional 
geological survey of Russia, which being approved of by the Emperor, 
a communication was made to Mr. Murchison by that Minister, the 
object of which was to secure the services of M. de Verneuil and himself. 
Under these high auspices, the researches of these geologists were re- 
sumed early in the spring of 1841, when, travelling overland to St. 
Petersburgh, they united with their friend Count Keyserling, and made 
fresh observations in the Governments of Wilna, Courland, Livonia and 
Esthonia. 
On their arrival at St. Petersburgh 1 , His Imperial Majesty received 
the foreign travellers in so marked and cordial a manner, and with such 
expressions of confidence in their renewed elforts, that they felt doubly 
anxious to acquit themselves with credit of the task they had under- 
taken. 
Count Keyserling had now been formally named one of the same 
geological expedition, and Lieutenant Koksharof was again appointed 
to accompany it Thus organized, the general plan was devised by 
which the Ural Mountains and the southern provinces of Russia, parti- 
cularly the coal-field of the Donetz, were to be examined,— a plan in 
which General Tcheffkine took the most lively interest, and in preparing 
which he manifested the greatest intelligence, friendliness and zeal. 
Previously accustomed to act together, and imbued with the same 
geological animus, the little force first made some explorations to the 
south of Moscow (Tula, Kaluga, SerpukhofF, Kolomna, & c.), and then 
1 Mr. Murchison must gratefully acknowledge, that on this occasion, his position at St. Petersburgh 
was rendered most agreeable through the friendly support of the Marquis of Clanricarde, then the 
British Ambassador, and that during former and subsequent visits he experienced the kindest attention 
from the Hon. John Bloomfield, Her Britannic Majesty’s Envoy. 
