Page:The Journal of geology (IA journalofgeology21894univers).pdf/293

First Decade.—In the meantime, upon the reorganization of the University of Alabama, in 1871, after a "reconstruction" régime of five years, the Board of Regents of that institution again took the initiative in re-establishing the Survey by requiring the Professor of Geology to devote as much time in traveling over the state, in making examinations and collections in geology, as would be consistent with his duties at the University.

In pursuance of this ordinance, the present writer, who at that time filled the chair above mentioned in the University, spent a part of his vacation in 1871, at his own expense, in the examination of certain marine Tertiary deposits in Clarke, Washington and Choctaw counties.

The subject of the Geological Survey was brought before the legislature of 1872-3, and an act was passed by them in 1873, reviving the survey, naming Eugene A. Smith, State Geologist, and making an appropriation of $500 per annum for the expenses of the survey, and an additional appropriation of $3,000 for an outfit for chemical laboratory, and traveling and camp equipments. In 1877 a bill was passed making a biennial appropriation of $200 for the purpose of preparing maps and other illustrations for the geological reports. Another special appropriation of $250 was made in 1879 for the same purpose.

During the ten years from 1873 to 1882 inclusive, the writer devoted the greater part of the three months of each summer vacation to geological excursions, receiving no compensation therefor in the way of salary. The actual traveling expenses were, however, defrayed out of the annual appropriation of $500, which also paid the other contingent expenses of the survey. In the summer of 1878 Mr. Henry McCalley, at his own expense, accompanied the writer in the field, and during the following years, from 1879 to 1882, he undertook independent field work, without compensation from the survey beyond the payment of his expenses while in the field. At this time he held the position of Assistant in the Chemical Department of the University, then also under the charge of the present writer. There were other