The character of work required to carry on the investigations of the Survey during its second year, in accordance with the plan outlined in the First Annual Report, was necessarily somewhat different from that which preceded it.

The broader features of the different geological formations had been determined, the character of the materials composing them and some idea of their extent had been ascertained, and with this as a basis we were prepared to take up in greater detail the study of each formation with its various economic minerals and possibilities.

The work of the different field parties was therefore planned and carried out as nearly as possible with this end in view. Numerous difficulties were encountered, and in some instances the results are not as definite in character as I had hoped to have them, but the general and total result is most satisfactory.

One of the most serious troubles experienced by the different field parties was the lack of accurate maps. Without a correct map on which to plot his observations the field geologist is working to the greatest disadvantage. Our county maps are insufficient for the purpose. Many of them are old. They do not show the proper courses of the streams. Few roads are laid down, and these, owing to the frequent changes, are often differently located on the map from their actual location on the