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appointed Assistant Geologist, and on the 18th January, 1859, Prof W. P. Riddell A. M., M. D. of the Texas Military Institute was appointed Chemist and Assistant Geologist.

As no provision was made for a draughtsman in the act authorizing the Survey, and as maps of the districts to be explored were immediately needed, it was deemed necessary to employ such a person, allowing hire a reasonable compensation for his services. Accordingly, with the approval of His Excellency, the Governor, Mr. A. Roessler, was employed for this duty.

As the subject of Climatology, in its connection with agriculture, is of great importance, we have made partial arrangements to establish a regular system of meteorological observations throughout the State, on the plan adopted by the Smithsonian Institution at Washington. For this purpose complete sets of instruments of excellent construction have been placed in the hands of competent observers, from whose labors we may anticipate interesting results. Prof. C.G. Forshey so well known for his scientific attainments, who has already devoted much attention to the Climatology of Texas, has obligingly consented to take charge of one set of instruments at Rutersville, and Swante Palm Esq., of Austin, a skillful and accurate observer, of another. A third set has been until recently in charge of the Geological party in the northern part of the State.

Everything being in readiness, on the 11th of January, Dr. Geo. G. Shumard was placed in charge of a party with instructions to proceed to Red River in Grayson county, making such examinations of the strata along the line of his route, as would enable hint to construct an accurate geological section of the country passed over. He was further directed to make a minute and careful exploration of Red River, from Cooke county to the north eastern boundary of the State. Besides accomplishing this work he has made thorough and final surveys of the counties of Grayson, Fannin, Cass and portions of Bowie, Red River and Lamar. He has also assisted me in the examination of Rusk county.

Another party was placed under the direction of Prof. Riddell who entered upon the field work of the survey on the seventh of February. He has made minute and final surveys of the counties of Caldwel1, Guadalupe, McLennan and Coryell, and nearly the whole of Bosque, besides aiding me in the detailed examination of Burnet, and in making a reconnoissance of the coal region in the northern part of the State.

Each party consists, beside, the Geologist in charge of a subordinate assistant, a cook, and a teamster.