REPORT OF PROGRESS

On the 25th of August, 1858, I had the honor of receiving from His Excellency, Governor Runnels, a notice of my appointment to conduct the Geological and Agricultural Survey of Texas, authorized by an act of the Legislature, passed February 10th, 1858.

By this act it is made the duty of the State Geologist to make as speedily as possible, "a thorough and complete Geological Survey of the State, so as to determine accurately the quality and characteristics of the soil and its adaption to agricultural purposes the species of produce to which the soil in different sections is adapted its mineral resources, their location and the best means for their development its water powers, their location and capacities and generally everything relating to the Geological and Agricultural character of the State."

On receipt of the above notice, and under directions from the Governor, I proceeded immediately to make the necessary arrangements for commencing the field work of the Survey as early as practicable.

As the interests of the Survey demanded that the instruments employed in the work, should be of the best construction, I visited Philadelphia and New York early in September, and gave my personal attention to the selection of them, and also made arrangements for the purchase of such chemicals, as would be needed in the Laboratory.

Returning to St. Louis, two weeks were employed in packing my collection of geological and mineralogical specimens and library for shipment to Texas, and immediately thereafter, I Started for Austin, where I arrived on the 30th of October.

On the 21st December, Geo. G. Shumard, M. D., who had already spent several years in investigating the geology of Texas and New Mexico, while acting in the capacity of Geologist to the U.S. Governments, Expeditions of Capt's. Marcy and Pope, was