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Cretaceous, is one to which the State owes much of its wealth, on account of the richness of the soils which had their origin in its rocks. Mr. Hill's work brings out its structure with reference to the artesian water and other economic features. So the problems of the coal, the gypsum, and the salt, which are now being investigated by Messrs. Cummins and Tarr, will bring out the stratigraphy of the Carboniferous period, while the geology of the older formations in their relation to their useful contents is shown in greater or less detail by Mr. Comstock in Central Texas, and Mr. Streeruwitz in the west.
Thus we have from these reports, in addition to the facts regarding economic geology, valuable as these are themselves, other information regarding the general geologic history of our State, sufficient at least for a present working basis, which will be increased by the observations of each succeeding season, and prove no less valuable in the assistance it will give in the further prosecution of the survey.
WORK OF THE FIRST YEAR.
TOPOGRAPHY.
TRANS-PECOS TEXAS.
The geography and topography of the Trans-Pecos region was almost entirely unknown. The location of the different mountains, and even the names by which they are designated, are differently laid down by the various cartographers. I made an effort to secure the assistance of the United States Geological Survey in this district, but being unsuccessful, I organized a topographic survey there with Mr. W. H. Streeruwitz in charge.
In order that we might secure the necessary degree of accuracy in the measurement of a base line I made application to Hon. T. C. Mendenhall, Superintendent of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, for the loan of a pair of four-metre base bars. The request was granted, and the bars were furnished, and the survey had the use of them without any expense beyond the freight.
The work that has been done is of as high a degree of accuracy as it is possible to obtain with the instruments at our command, and the maps now finished will be sufficient for the geologic work of next year in that district.
No trouble is anticipated in keeping the topographic work far enough ahead to prevent any further delays.