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greater importance that the character of the soil and subsoil be studied together with that of the water supply as well as all surroundings which may effect its quantity or availability for irrigation purposes.

Irrigation can not be carried on to that extent commensurate with the needs or possibilities of this State without this careful investigation, and it is therefore the part of wisdom to have these examinations properly made before the inception of the work rather than permit the inevitable loss of money which is sure to follow if each is left to work for himself.

RESPONSES TO CIRCULARS.

While by knowledge previously acquired I was in some degree prepared for many responses and much valuable information in reply to Circular No. 3, yet the number of letters received within three weeks, and the importance of their contents, has far exceeded my most sanguine expectations, and attest beyond controversy the deep interest felt by the people in the objects of the survey, and the urgent necessity for a more active and expansive prosecution of the work than is permitted by the present appropriation. I knew that Texas possessed vast wealth hidden in her broad bosom, that her deposits of minerals were extensive and of great variety, that the field of work undertaken was wide of scope and sufficient to tax the energies of the most efficient; yet as the volume of information increased day by day, lengthening and broadening my sphere of labor, disclosing an infinite variety of objects demanding immediate attention, and developing sources of wealth and avenues of industry stupendous in their magnitude and almost boundless in their extent and diversity, I felt that my previous knowledge was but as a bird's-eye view compared with the magnificent expanse opening before my mental gaze. The temptation thus offered to enter the field of speculation as to our great state's near future is almost irresistible; but knowing that what is desired in this report is fact, and fact only, I confine myself to a brief summary of the information received, hoping that the simple recital will be convincing of the urgent necessity for an active and energetic prosecution of the work so imperiously demanded by the exigencies of our condition.

From the mass of correspondence I condense the salient featur s reported, as an indication of some of the work to be done, the object of the correspondence being merely to secure a guide to the future work of field parties.

Artesian Wells.—A number of these wells have been sunk in various parts of the state with more or less success, and sections of many of them have been received. These sections are of great value to the survey as aids to the determination of the stratigraphy of the country, especially when samples of each stratum are preserved and forwarded with the section. This has been arranged for with several artesian well borers, and glass tubes of suitable size will be furnished to those who will do us similar service. I have pointed out the work to be done by the survey, in reference to artesian wells, in that portion of this report treating of that subject, and need not repeat it here.

Asphaltum.—At present, definite reports from correspondents of deposits of asphaltum, with specimens, have been received from Martin, Blanco, and Travis counties only, but it is known to exist in other localities as well. Many tar springs and deposits of a bituminous sandstone are also well known. The need of this substance for paving and other purposes is constantly increasing, and it is therefore important that the localities where they are reported to exist, should be examined, that we. may ascertain whether our needs may not be supplied from our own deposits, instead of our being dependent upon those of Trinidad.