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The Asphaltum deposits of Uvalde having been largely advertised, Mr. Ellsworth made an examination of them, and of those of Burnet as well, the results of which are awaiting the determinations in the laboratory before being published.
My own work during the winter and spring months, aside from the routine duties of the office, was given to the preparation, editing and general oversight of the Second Annual Report, which occupied my time until the latter part of June. I then joined Mr. Taff, and worked the Tertiary section with him from Cotulla to Uvalde. Joining Dr. Comstock's party at Spofford Junction, I accompanied them to Eagle Pass. Leaving them there, I made a section of the Cretaceous formation between Eagle Pass and Del Rio, in the greater part of which I had the assistance of Mr. Owen. After spending a week with Prof. Streeruwitz in the Diabolo Mountains, I returned to Austin, where I received your instructions to take up the Lignite investigation. On the 15th of August, I went to Washington to attend the meeting of the scientific associations, and then sailed for Europe in pursuance of my work on Lignite. The results of this investigation are most satisfactory, and have been briefly submitted to you in my preliminary report. The further determination of the adaptability of the Lignites for the manufacture of gas, gas-oils, parraffine and other similar products, and their possible coking qualities, are now under investigation both in Germany and in our own laboratory.
PERSONNEL.
Mr. Otto Lerch completed the term for which he was engaged, and took service elsewhere.
Mr. J. H. Herndon was relieved from duty as chemist of the Survey on May 6th, 1891. Since that time the work of the laboratory has been carried on by Mr. Magnenat. On the 20th of November I appointed Mr. G. H. Wooten assistant chemist.
Dr. T. B. Comstock resigned his position as Geologist on the Survey to accept the Directorship of the Arizona School of Mines at Tucson, Arizona.
During my absence in the field and on my European trip the office was in charge of Mr. A. C. Gray.