Page:The Journal of geology (IA journalofgeology21894univers).pdf/226

a geological survey as an adjunct to a general system of internal improvement. Shortly after this a Board of Internal Improvements was formed, and, among other works, surveys of the Meramec, of the Salt, of the North Grande and of the Osage rivers were started. In connection with this, a geological examination by Dr. Henry King was made along the Osage river, and a report of twenty pages was published in 1840.^[1]

Much of this report is devoted to the topography and soils, and to a description of occurrences of ore. Dr. King assigns all of the rocks of the region to the Carboniferous formation and separates them into two series: (1) A lower Galeniferous or Lead series; (2) an upper Coal series. By the former he plainly means the magnesian limestones and associated sandstones, though the section given is very imperfect; in the latter he includes the Encrinital or Lower Carboniferous limestones as well as the overlying coal beds, sandstones, and shales. The change between the two series is so marked, however, that he expresses the feeling that an entire separation of the two is almost justifiable. The lead ores of the region he assigns to the uppermost member of the lower series; the surface float ore, or "patch mineral," as he calls it, he determines correctly to be residuary from the decay of the limestone.

After this, further investigations by the state seem to have fallen into neglect for several years; but, by 1846, the subject again excited public attention and the question of a geological survey called forth a number of memorials from conventions, and of papers prepared by scientific associations, and was further recommended in the messages of several governors. Finally, by an act approved February 24, 1853, the First geological survey of Missouri was authorized.^[2] The act controlling the First geological survey provided for the appointing by the governor