INTRODUCTION.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SURVEY.

The state of Maryland, lying midway between the North and South, and stretching as it does from the Atlantic ocean to the crest of the Alleghanies, with the great estuary of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries extending far into the land in all directions, possesses many advantages over neighboring commonwealths. There is probably no state of equal size in the Union that has such a variety of natural features in climate, soils and mineral resources, while its central location and numerous natural highways of commerce and trade render this native wealth of the greatest importance to the material prosperity of the people.

It is but natural that the citizens of Maryland should demand the fullest investigation of these factors which the methods of modern science can command. It was in accordance with this idea that a bill was introduced at the last session of the General Assembly calling for a thorough study of the physical features, including the physiography, geology and mineral resources of the state.

THE BILL.

The bill by which the survey was established is entitled:

"An Act to establish a State Geological and Economic Survey, and to make provision for the preparation and publication of reports and maps to illustrate the natural resources of the State, together with the necessary investigations preparatory thereto."1

SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That there is hereby established a State Geological and Economic Survey which shall be under the direction of a commission composed of the Governor, the Comptroller, the president of the Johns Hopkins

1 Laws of Maryland, 1896, Chapter 51.

University and the president of the Maryland Agricultural College, who shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties; and the said commissioners shall have general charge of the survey, and shall appoint as superintendent of the same a geologist of established reputation, and upon his nomination such assistants and employes as they may deem necessary; and they shall also determine the compensation of all persons employed by the survey, and may remove them at pleasure.

SEC. 2. And be it enacted, That the survey shall have for its objects: (1). An examination of the geological formations of the State, with special reference to their economic products, viz., building-stones, clays, ores and other mineral substances.

(2). An examination and classification of the soils and a study of their adaptability to particular crops.

(3). An examination of the physical features of the State with reference to their practical bearing upon the occupations of the people. (4). The preparation of special geological and economic maps to illustrate the resources of the State.

(5). The preparation of special reports, with necessary illustrations and maps, which shall embrace both a general and detailed description of the geology and natural resources of the State.

(6). The consideration of such other scientific and economic questions as in the judgment of the commissioners shall be deemed of value to the people of the State.

SEC. 3. And be it enacted, That the commissioners shall cause to be prepared a report to the Legislature before each meeting of the same, showing the progress and condition of the survey, together with such other information as they may deem necessary and useful or as the Legislature may require.

SEC. 4. And be it enacted, That the regular and special reports of the survey, with proper illustrations and maps, shall be printed as the commissioners may direct, and that the reports shall be distributed or sold by the said commissioners as the interests of the State and of science demand, and all moneys obtained by the sale of the reports shall be paid into the State treasury.