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LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

OFFICE OF COMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE,
INSURANCE, STATISTICS, AND HISTORY,
AUSTIN, TEAXAS, May 1, 1892.

Hon. James S. Hogg, Governor of Texas:

DEAR SIR—The Third Annual Report of the Geological and Mineralogical Survey of Texas is herewith submitted according to the requirements of law.

State Geologist E. T. Dumble has had charge of the Survey from the beginning, and the progress made from year to year, as evidenced by the reports, is justly credited to him and his assistants. The year 1891 was rather a remarkable one for the development of the State's wealth and mineral resources, as will appear from an examimation of this report.

The study of lignites, in which Texas abounds, has interested Professor Dumble for some twelve or fourteen years, and the value or utility of the same engrossed much of his time and attention in 1891. During a trip to Europe he made a thorough examination as to the use and value of lignites, which will doubtless prove a great benefit to Texas, for it will go far towards solving the question of cheap fuel, as the tests made since his return demonstrate.

The work being done in that branch of this Department is bringing to light the latent resources of the State in such a way as to convince the most skeptical of the value of the Survey, and it is no longer a question as to whether the Survey shall live, but what the appropriation shall be, and it is hoped the Legislature will act liberally in providing funds for its maintenance.

I have the honor to remain, with much respect and esteem, your obedient servant,

JNO. E. HOLLINGSWORTH,
Commissioner of Agriculture, Insurance, Statistics, and History.