PART 1.] 
Annual Report fur 1872 . 
7 
we Lave received such presentations or exchanges is annexed, while each successive number 
of the Kecobds has given a list of the additions received during the preceding three months. 
I rejoice to think that this department has been relieved from the injury resulting to its 
library from the restrictions imposed on the mode of procuring hooks, and from the delays 
consequent thereon. And I doubt not the coming year will again show a return to the 
larger number of volumes which we have been for years past in the habit of recording. 
Advantage has been taken of the past year to bring up the binding and securing of our 
valuable series so far as practicable. 
Museum. —The collections in the Museum have been maintained in good order, the 
additions properly embodied in the general series, and the specimens properly cleaned out 
and carefully labelled. The collection of minerals, which, as reported last year, had been 
entirely remodelled and added to so largely, has been in part carefully catalogued by 
Mr. F. E. Mallet, and it is hoped that this valuable work may be completed during the 
coming rainy season, when work in the field is impracticable. 
The demand for tbe preparation of a good series illustrative of the mineral wealth 
of this country to be sent to the great Exhibition in Vienna has entailed on all the officers 
of tbe Survey a largo amount of trouble and occupation during tbe last months of the 
year. The extremely limited and unsuitable accommodation which the present Museum 
house offered for such extended collections has always prevented our bringing to¬ 
gether a collection properly representing the mineral resources of the country. In fact, 
we had no place to put such a collection if made. While, therefore, our series afforded good 
specimens in one or two directions, it was necessary to procure fresh and good sized specimens 
for Vienna. I would here acknowledge the great liberality and very cordial co-operation which 
I have experienced on the part of the numerous colliery proprietors in the country, who have 
supplied ns with excellent specimens of the coals, ores, tools, &c., from their districts. I am 
also indebted to the Commissioner of Inland Customs for a very valuable series of specimens 
illustrative of the salt deposits of India. And in brief, from every one to whom we applied 
for aid, we have received most ready support. The time at our disposal was far too 
brief to admit of anything approaching to a complete series being obtained, hut that which 
is to be sent will give a fair representation of the mineral wealth of the country. With the 
special sanction of the Government, it is proposed also to send some of our unique and valuable 
collections of fossils, which will excite great interest among the Geologists of Europe, and 
will afford a much desired opportunity for actual comparison and identification with known 
European forms. 
An Index map is, as usual, appended showing the present state of progress of the field 
work of the Survey. 
I he various collections are in as good order and preservation as the limited accommo- 
dation at our command will permit. 
Calcutta, I 
February 1873. j 
T. OLDHAM, 
Supdt. of Geol. Survey, India, 
and Director of Geol. Museum, Calcutta. 
