Fourth Annual Report of the State Mineralogist of California

Abstract

ALTHOUGH a systematic geological investigation of the State of California has been commenced at different times since 1853, the Legislature has generally got tired of providing the funds after a few years' continuance, and the work has been stopped. The most notable effort towards the provision of a complete geological description of the State was that made by Prof. J. D. Whitney, who, with a body of assistants, including men of the highest attainments in every collateral branch of natural science, carried on the survey from 1860 to 1873, when it was suddenly discontinued, to the great regret of scientific men both in America and Europe. No attempt to continue or supplement Prof. Whitney's work was made until 1880, when the author was appointed State mineralogist with the object of investigating questions more particularly connected with mining industry than with geology in the larger sense. The author during his period of office, which appears to be terminable and held for four years only, has founded a valuable mineral museum and library, more than 6000 specimens illustrative of the mineral deposits of the State having been collected and arranged. These do not, however, appear to be very sumptuously housed, as the author calls attention to the danger from fire, “as. well as other inconveniences, such as the prevalence of ammoniacal and hippuric odours, and the disturbance of arranged specimens in the cases by the jarring made by the hoisting of hay by tackles attached to the underside of the museum floor. The California State Museum is well worthy of a good and thoroughly fireproof building.” With the latter opinion our readers will no doubt heartily agree.

Fourth Annual Report of the State Mineralogist of California.

By H. G. Hanks. 8vo, pp. 410. (Sacramento: State Printer.)