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OFFICE WORK.

The work done in the office comprises the preparation of maps and tracings of profiles, the classification of the results of previous investigations both by the state and many private observers, with the addition of the information received in response to circulars, a very extensive correspondence with observers and many parties desiring information on particular subjects connected with the survey, the arrangement, study, and labelling of specimens received from the various surveying parties, together with the compiling of their reports and preparing them for the printer.

This work in itself has been of such volume that I have been able to do very little field work, which, however, if attempted, would have been materially interfered with by the continued rains of November.

TOPOGRAPHIC WORK.

The first necessity for correct geologic work is an accurate topographic map of the district to be examined, and as no work of this character has ever been done by the state, the survey will be somewhat hampered in its operations by lack of this important requisite. To obviate this in some degree we have asked from the different railroads of the state tracings of the profiles and grade lines of their roads. Many have already responded, and we hope to have, before long, all of the information obtainable from this source.

The only actual topograhic work which has been done is that under the direction of the United States Geological Survey, which has had three parties of surveyors in this state for the past four years. The area for which we now have these topographic maps comprises some 19,000 square miles, lying between longitude 97° and 99° 30', and latitude 32° 30' and 30°. These maps are on a scale of two miles to one inch, with contour intervals of fifty feet, and the survey is being carried on at the rate of 4000 square miles or more per year. This rate of survey is not rapid enough to give us the assistance we need in the prosecution of the geologic work, and I have therefore written Major J. W. Powell, Director of the U. S. Geological Survey, placing the matter before him, and requesting that he increase the topographic force in this state by putting a corps of engineers in the Trans-Pecos region during the present season. In reply he writes, assuring this survey of his desire to co-operate with us in any way in his power, and states that he hopes to be able to put parties into the district requested during the present winter, but that he may be prevented from doing so by demands made upon the survey in the interests of irrigation. It is of the highest importance to the state that this work should be done at once, if we are to proceed promptly and satisfactorily with our in estigations.

METEOROLOGICAL WORK.

The importance of an exact knowledge of the rainfall of every section of the state is apparent to all, and is fully stated in the discussion of the subject of artesian water. Other meteorological conditions are of equal importance, and in order that such knowledge may be obtained the survey has secured the co-operation of the State Weather Bureau, organized in accordance with the regulations of the United States Signal Service, and we are now establishing stations in sections where none have previously existed. In order that these records should possess their full value, it is necessary that there should be at least one observer in every county in the state, which can only be accomplished by the co-operation of the state with the Signal Service, by