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taken in other respects precisely like that of the surface soil, while that of the material underlying this subsoil may be taken with less exactness, perhaps at some ditch or other easily accessible point, and should not be broken up like the other specimens.

Seventh. All peculiarities of the soil and subsoil, their behavior in wet and dry seasons, their location, position-every circumstance and fact that can throw any light on their agricultural qualities or peculiarities-should be carefully noted, and the notes sent with the specimens.

E. T. DUMBLE, State Geologist.

This circular was mailed to all newspapers in the State so far as we could get the addresses, to the members of the legislature, district and county judges, and many private citizens.

Having thus completed the organization of the survey, the following circular was issued:

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF TEXAS.
Circular No. 2.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, INSURANCE, STATISTICS, AND HISTORY,
AUSTIN, TEXAS, October 11, 1888.

The plan of operations adopted for the Geological Survey of Texas divides the State temporarily into four districts, with a surveying corps in each; and as their work is intended solely to develop the resources of the state, the co-operation and assistance of the people is most earnestly solicited. To this end we desire to secure reliable correspondents and observers in every county, from whom information may be obtained which will greatly facilitate the work of the geologists by enabling the State Geologist to direct the surveying parties to the greatest advantage. These surveying parties can only examine a limited area each season, and the immense extent of the state will render it very difficult to accomplish the work desired without the active co-operation and assistance asked for on the part of the people most interested.

The work will be particularly directed; first, to a search for ores, minerals, oils, coals, clays, and other materials possessing a commercial value, and the determination of the question, whenever possible, whether they exist in sufficient quantities and under suitable conditions and surroundings to make it reasonably certain that it will be profitable to work them; second, to an investigation of the geologic formation and topography of the country with a view to determining the probability of obtaining artesian water, and the feasibility of irrigating from such wells, or from streams, shallow wells, or tanks, where necessary; third, to the determination of the adaptability of soils to certain crops, and how their fertility can be increased by the use of materials nearest at hand; and fourth, to the search for and development of useful articles as yet not fully known.

The collection of fossils and study of geologic strata, though a necessary concomitant, will be made (as far as is consistent with obtaining a correct knowledge of their character and influences) subordinate and subsidiary to the economic features of the survey.

Trusting that the plan thus briefly delineated will meet your hearty approval, the State Geologist asks your aid, believing that with the assistance asked for the Geological Survey can and will be made a complete financial and scientific success.

E. T. DUMBLE, State Geologist.

This circular was also mailed to all members of the legislature, and to county and district judges; it was also forwarded to all the newspapers of the state, the greater number of which kindly published it. This was done in order that the people might understand the general plan of the Survey, and that by arousing their interest in its success we would be able to secure their help.