GEOLOGICAL AND MINERALOGICAL
SURVEY OF TEXAS.
FIRST REPORT OF PROGRESS.
DECEMBER, 1888.

Receiving my appointment as State Geologist September 21st, I proceeded at once to the organization of the survey.

Taking into consideration the area of the state and the varied character of its geology and mineral deposits, it was deemed best to divide the state into districts, with a surveying party in each. Accordingly, Professor W. H. Streeruwitz was appointed Geologist for Western Texas, Professor W. F. Cummins, Geologist for Northern Texas, and Dr. R. A. F. Penrose, Jr., Geologist for Eastern Texas.

There being no room in the Capitol building which could possibly be used as a chemical laboratory without serious inconvenience to all who might have offices in its neighborhood, and very favorable conditions being offered by Professor Everhart, of the University of Texas, and Professor Harrington, of the Agricultural and Mechanical College, it was decided best to have the chemical work done at those institutions. The chemical department was then organized by the appointment of Mr. J. H. Herndon chemist, with Mr. Matt. M. Smith and R. B. Halley as assistants, at the University laboratory. The appointment of chemist at the laboratory of the A. and M. College will be made January 1st. In order that those desiring analyses made might be apprised of what was necessary, the following circular was issued:

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF TEXAS.
Circular No. 1.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, INSURANCE, STATISTICS, AND HISTORY,
AUSTIN, TEXAS, October 1, 1888.

The law directing the Commissioner of Agriculture, Insurance, Statistics, and History to have a geological and mineralogical survey made of the State of Texas, makes it also his duty, "upon the request of any person, to require assays or analyses of any specimen of soil or mineral deposit in this state, and to furnish to the party requesting it a certificate thereof; provided, that in all cases when assays or analyses are made upon request of any person, the party making the request shall be required by the commissioner to make affidavit that the specimen offered was found upon the land of the party making the request, or that said request is made at the instance or with the full knowledge and consent of the owner of the land upon which said specimen was found."

In compliance with this requirement, the laboratory of the survey is now open, and fully prepared to make analyses of any specimens of soils, ores, minerals, or mineral waters, which may be sent in under the provisions of this act.

The schedule of fees which has been adopted is intended to cover only the probable amount of chemicals and apparatus used in making the analysis, without taking into any account the time and labor involved. This has been done in order that every one who has any ore, clay, coal, or other mineral substance, may ascertain its true value at the lowest possible cost, to encourage the search for minerals by the owners of land, and especially to induce the farmer to become more thoroughly acquainted with the true nature of his soil.