North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-11-12
: fH.{EfI e ~ For the STANDARD.
PROFESSOR EMMONS.


Ma. EDIToR regret to see disposition mani
tested in certain IquaHters TO consure Gov Reid 70
the appointment Of this gentleman to cosduct In
No,big@ eoniS q he nops nai,,s sy .. me a.e
not only the best that could have been made. Blu
it was urged upon the Governor under such circum
stances and in such manner that he could not have
refused him the appointment if given to any GU
of the State. 'FE Z fs7Q7 stz aa ise - s@assz
In the summer of 1850 company of gentlemen
in New York who own 200 600 or 100000 acres oil
land in the mineral region of North Carolina, procur
ed Professor Emmons to make an examination of the
lands with view of ascertaining whether there were
any gold veins other minerals upon them. In the
performance of this duty he visited the counties o
Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Union, Cleveland, Ruther-
ford, Henderson, Buncombe, and Mcdowell, and
made the acquaintance of many gentlemen in those
Counties, who had abundant opportunities of form
ing an opinion of his abilities, and of witnessing the
industry, the assiduity and uRtiring energy with
which ne prosecuted his survey. Il IS known that
he made some discoveries of immense importance,
verified by actual experiment, which destined to
exercise great influence the prosperity of those
parts of the country where they were made, and
which had entirely escaped the attention of the
merous practical miners and scientific men who had
passed over the ground before him. This knowl
edge induced his recommendation by his North Ca
rolina acqlantances, and not by any person out of
the State; and so reluctant was Professor Emmons
to take any steps himself influencing the appoint
ment, that it was only fter being repeatedly urged
by his friends here that he procured the letter Of Gov
ernor Marcy, who was Governor of New York dur
ing the time that he was engaged in the survey of
that State. 80 - s-ar.h 7t-I1@
II any one will take the trouble to read the act
providing for survey of the State passed the last
session. he will that it is simply Geological
and Agricultural survey-an examination of minerals
and soils, but the Botanical productions, the timber,
fruits, water power manufacturing facilities products
Of every kind are to be examined and Analysed. In
word, the whole field of physical science is to be
explored, far State is concerned. The able
work of Prof. Emmons, the Geological and Agricu-
tura survey of New York, published by that State
at great expense, and which was before the Govern
or, exhibits thorough acquaintance with all these
branches of science. All the Soils minerals, fruits,
timber, agricultural products of every description in
the State of New York were thoroughly analysed,
and correctly that they are taken as the standard
by all scientific men throughout the Union. Where
ever he has made analys no one deemed 1t ne
cessary to verify its TRUTH and you can scarce open
scientific work without finding references to his opin-
ions. Various attempts have been made before the
last session of the last Legislature to pass
provide for Geological survey of the State. All
the bills heretofore offered simply provided for the
survey, without all specifying his duties the
subjects of inquiry to which his attention should be
devoted. The act of last session prescribes his du
ties authorizes the appointment of two or more as
sistants with the appreciation of the Governor,
joins it upon him to visit every portion of the State.
and points out the particular subjects to which his
inquiries shall be directed 1t also provides that the
principal surveyor shall deliver lectures in such pla
Cos
with his labors. 1t IS known to the writer of this
that all these provisions introduced at the sug
gestion of Prot. Emmons The act was iR fact drawn
altogether according to his suggestion. The gentle
man who drew it consulted Prof. Emmons, who had
already made the survey of New York, and of
knew what provisions should be made, who furnish
ed every information that was required, going into
the most minute particulars. He particularly recon-
mended the appointment Of assistants as measure
of economy. They can be procured at much less
salary, and acting under the supervision of the prin
cipal, the work be done as well and in one third
of the time.
1t is obvio6s to any rejecting mind that to make
work of this kind valuable, it ought to be conducted
Dy man of character-known to the world man
of science in whose statements the world would
have confidence. The resources of our State are
known. What minerals, soils, fruits, productions,
timber, water power North Carolina contains is not
known abroad. We wish them described by man
whom the world will believe, because he says they
exist. Nov if there is man in North Carolina
whose services could be procured, of such celebrity
in the scientific world, confess do not know who
it is. and venture to Say that those who censure
Gov. Reid for appointing man who lives out of the
State, would be puzzled to Eame such man. No
one is more opposed than atm to the appointment of
man out Of the State to fill an Office which can be
filled by one of our own citizens. But most SOL
emny protest against destroying that most liberal act
of the last session, one which believe will do
much for the honor and prosperity of North Carolina
through any mistaken notions of State pride. be-
ieve tie Governor has done right. He has appointed
10 Inc performance OF 0uly man emlnently quail
fed to discharge it, 1t delicate task TO perform,
and he has done it well. He has secured the serv-
ces Of of the ablest men in the Union. The act
would have been worse than useless without such
man, and heartily tender him my thanks for carry
ing it out thus far we and to those who censure
him would simply put this question, who could
Gov. Reid have appointed who would have conduct
ed the survey better than Prof. Emmons?
should be obliged to you,Mr. Editor. if you would
republish the Act. ... ..... ..... .....
! have written this communication without any
view to political effect, but act of simple JUS
tice to Gov. Reid and Prof. Emmons. The work
upon which Prof. E. is abort to enter is of i'm
ed up with party. and any one who attempts TO do
it ought 10 be met by the indignafpn of the whole
country. b.
In compliance with the request of our Correspon-
dent, and for the information of the public, copy
below the Act of last session providing for the surveys
AN ACT to provide for Geological and Agricul-
tura survey of the State. t sss-s':e rs
SFc. l. Be ii enacted By the General assembly of the
STATE Of North Carolina, and is hereby enacted By the
authority Of The same, That the Governor shall, as
practicable, select and appoint some suitable
person conduct under the general supervision of
logical, Botanical and Agricultural survey ofthe State.
Sec. g Be it further enacted, That it shall be the
duty Of the person selected and appointed, to ex-
anime and survey each and every county Of the State,
ascertain the different geological formations of each
county and section of the State the nature character
and value of its minerals the nature and character
Of it's soils, and the best mode of improving the same;
the nature and kind of its productions, and their po
sition and relative value its facilities for manufacto
ries the extent and value of lis water power the
character and value of its botanical productions the
character and value of its timber; and all other facts
L IL -