Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-10-23
NUMBER 8.

determining its general geological features, includ-
ing the limits Of the several rock formations, prepar
TORY to more minute Investigations in subsequent
years. How well this part Of the survey has been
performed, will appear in the report OF the Geolo-
gis when submitted to you. From hasty exam
nation oft have been led to believe that it will
be found, by those competent 10 Judge, TO furnish
evidence tina, the prosecution Of the work, thus far
has well fulfilled the purpose for which the survey
was instituted The report will be found, think,
10 contain more valuable information than is usu-
ally embodied in preliminary reports, especially in
the department of Economical geology, upon which
on Of its great practical importance, have
directed the Geologist to bestow special attention
throughout the entire survey
The report contains a statement OF the expenses
Of the survey brought down to the 18th Of Septem-
ber amounting to the sum Of 81 1856 %, and es-
tinaie for the balance of the geological year end
ing on the first Of March next, being s663-
amounting for the entire year. TO the sum of 81
900 D. IL will be seen that this sum falls within
the limit of the annual appropriation for the survey.
In performance Of the difficult and responsible
duty Of appointing a State Geologist, have expe-
rienced no little embarrassment from the limited
amount Of the annual appropriation Of % ,00O-an
amount considerably below that Of similar appro-
priations in other States and much below the sum
previously estimated necessary for the survey OF
this Stae,-an amount however, which have
felt bound to make the immovable limit Of all my
calculations for the prosecution Of the work.
have therefore, been compelled to restrict the Ge-
ologist and his assistants TO compensations below
those usually allowed for such seryices,-in regard
to which. however, deem it fortunate that have
been able to secure, for compensations so made
quate, services efficient and valuable. am in
clined think that Justice 10 those engaged in the
survey, well to the survey itself, demands some
addition TO the appropriation, for the service oil the
remaining two years
The Geologist will hereafter report to me, as the
law makes his duty 10 do, an estimate for the ex-
penses ofthe next year, which will transmit for
the consideration of the General Assembly.
The Law authorisng the survey, makes no pro-
vision for preserving suits OF specimens for any
purpose. The preservation Of suit to form
State Cabinet being. however, obviously indipensa-
be have given orders TO the Geologist to that ef-
feet have received formal applications for suits
Of specimens from Middlebury College, from the
Medical Colleges at Woodstock and Casteton, and
from the Troy Conference Academy at Poultney.
The obvious importance of having collections of
specimens illustrating the geolngy and mineralogy
of the State, form Cabinets in these Institutions
well as in the Vermont and Norwich Uniyersi-
ties, has induced me, though without authority of
law, to direct the Geoogist to make his collection
sufficiently large, to enable him furnish complete
sets to all these nstitutions,-n regard to which
confidently anticipate the sanction Of the General
Assembly, in the small additional appropriation
which may be necessary 10 meet the additional ex-
pense.
| am happy to say that deep and general inter-
est has been manifested by the people. in the
vey as it has progressed which, it is hoped, may
be regarded earnest Of what is TO be expected
through the entire course. The science of geolo-
gy, though possessing high practical interest, is but
little understood by the mass Of the people. | re-
gard it, therefore, not among the least important
benefits Of the survey, which the liberahy Of the
General Assembly has authorized, that it will ava
ken among all classes more general interest in
the science, and have the effect Of directing the
active minds of our peopIe-especially the young
of both sexes-to its siudy-a study so well adapt
ed to discipline. expand and elevate the mind,
while il goes forth TO investigate and admire the
useful and mysterious the beautiful aud sublime of
the Creators works.
By resolution of the General Assembly, passed
at the last session. il made the duty Of the Gov
ernor to request the delivery by the General Gov
eminent, of the four brass cannon. taken by the
Green Mountain Boys, FROM the British at Ben
nngion, on the 10th Of August, l777.' and 10
the same when received to be deposited in
the State House. In obedience TO the requirement
Of this resolution addressed the Secretary Of War
on the 2lst Of January last, requesting the delivery
Of the cannon. To this received reply, dated
the Goth of February. saying that should the guns
referred to, be found in the possession Of the ord
nance corps, they are among the other trophies Of
the Of the revolution, and are held public
property of the United States; and suggesting
application Congress for order for their deliv-
cry.
In reply to subsequent communication from
me, asking that enquiry might be made for the
purpose of ascertsining the number of the cannon
taken at Bennington, then in the possession Of the
United States aud their location, received letter
from the Secretary Of War, covering report from
the Ordnance department, by which it appeared
that there were, at the United States arsenal at
Washington two brass guns, reported as three
Founders, and marked taken from the Germans at
Bennington, August 49, l777;' and that mo other
trophies captured that occasion, are known TO be
in the possession of the government Copies of
this correspondence, numbered from to inclu-
sive are herewith communicated to each branch of
the General Assembly.
An application to Congress being thus rendered
necessary, recommend such further action shall
be deemed appropriate effect the application, and
| render It available.
The necessity Of more effectua provision for pre-
venting the evils resulting from the practice oitak-
ing unlawful interest," induces me again to invite to
| il the attention of the General Assembly.
Our laws have long prohibited the taking Of in
terest above the rate Of six per entper annum. All
the reasons which have induced the enactment and
continuance of the prohibition. obviously urge its
enforcement Indeed it is urged by additional con-
sderation that habtual IMMUNITY TO the violation Of
any law tends TO weaken the force Of all law.
| II the law is to remain on the statute book, II
should not be left without adequate provision for its
enforcement. No such provision now exists. The
/ only remedy is by action for money had and re-
ceiVed, or goods sold and delivered, for the recov-
| E.l EaII Ia a. a ana