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In the Cretaceous a clear and comprehensive section of the system as it appears in the area has been obtained, which not only develops facts of some scientific importance, such as the absence of the Alternating Beds of the Fredericksburg Division, but furnishes economic results also that will in time be of considerable interest to that portion of the State.

PALEONTOLOGY.

The necessity for a correct knowledge of the fossils occurring in the different formations, and even in the different beds of the same formation, is as absolute for the correct determination of certain economic relations as any other branch in the science of geology.

The fossils are the guide boards of the geologist, and in spite of the fact that in many cases practical men look upon the labors of those whose time is given to such study as an utter waste, they must be studied in order that the exact succession of the rocks be known and their relations accurately defined. This is easily understood and appreciated if we take into consideration that each separate series of rocks has its own characteristic fossils, and that having definitely determined these, and by them the relations of the underlying and overlying strata, we can make a section showing the succession and thickness of each series of beds, and from such section in many cases tell exactly the chances for artesian water, for coal, or oil, or natural gas, and many other substances, at any point at which any one of the beds so determined may appear upon the surface, and often very closely approximating the depth at which they lie. In the Coal Measures, for instance, there is a persistent band of limestone with a certain association of fossil forms. We have determined them and know from observation that a coal seam lies a certain distance below them. Therefore at any place at which this limestone appears upon the surface, or where we find its characteristic fossils, we immediately begin the search for the coal seam. Many other instances of equal importance might be given of the economic use of the study of fossil forms. Of its relations to knowledge from the standpoints of biology and world-building it is unnecessary to speak.

While this is true, we have found it almost impossible to do anything in this direction here owing to a lack of books and type specimens for reference. We have therefore taken advantage of the kind offers of assistance that have been made at different times, and have by this