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In this district it was found necessary to add a topographic party to that of Mr. Comstock, to secure correct maps and furnish other requisite data for his use. Mr. Nagle and two assistants were, therefore, employed during the entire fall season in this most necessary work.

Mr. Streeruwitz completed the preliminary reconnaissance of Presidio, Buchel, Foley, and Brewster counties, finding in the mountain ranges the same favorable conditions for mineral prospects as those decribed in the First Report of Progress.

In May he again took the field with instructions to begin a topographic survey of the Trans-Pecos District, and to devote the entire season to this work, only using such time for geologic investigation as could be given without hindering the progress of mapping.

Prof. H. H. Harrington, of the Agricultural and Mechanical College, was appointed to make an examination of the soils and water of the Rio Grande Valley, which he did without any cost to the Survey beyond his actual field expenses. The results are embodied in Bulletin No. 2.

I visited this district three times during the season, and made such examinations of the geology of the region as the short time at my disposal permitted.

Mr. Cummins completed his preliminary survey over the northern portion of the coal field, and in March started for Lampasas for a similar investigation of the southern portion. Having completed this, I instructed him to proceed westward and take up the study of the Permian formation with its deposits of gypsum and salt. I joined his party in October, and together we made a preliminary section from Abilene north to Throckmorton County, and thence west to the Double Mountains, in Stonewall County. There being no reliable maps of the region, Mr. Drake was detailed to run a transit line and line of levels for the purpose of getting an exact section, and joined Mr. Cummins in November. This line and section was started from Albany, and runs