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the Location and Possession of Mining Claims," or from the University Fund. As far as I can ascertain, the former Act has, up to the present time, produced no available proceeds; and the University Fund has not been segregated from the School Fund, of which it is a part, although there is considerable money in the Treasury. The latter circumstance has arisen from the fact, that the Legislature has omitted to empower any of the State officers to apportion the interest of the School Fund to its respective objects, as provided for in the Constitution of the State. From this cause it has happened that I have been compelled to work without any funds to meet even current expenses. In judging of the work which has been done during the present year, I would respectfully urge this point on the consideration of your Honorable Board.

When I received the appointment in the spring of the present year, I instantly commenced work, and laid out plans, which, had I been able to carry them into effect, would, I believe, have resulted greatly to the advantage of our mining interests. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I proposed to visit, in succession, every mining district in Nevada, collecting in each not only a complete series of its minerals and geological formations, but materials for such a report as I have just sketched. This information, when carefully arranged and tabulated, would have been a report worthy of circulation; would have been quoted wherever mining interests form a branch of industry; would have shown to the world the unrivaled mineral wealth of our young State; and would have furnished a basis for intelligent legislation which no other means can supply. Its importance can scarcely be over-estimated. Believing that you will agree with me in this view of the subject, I would suggest that means be taken to replenish the University Fund by the issuance of Floating Land Warrants, as provided for in section 3 of article 9 of the Constitution of the State; providing also, at the same time, for the appropriation of the proceeds of such warrants to their respective objects, by authorizing certain of the State officers to make the necessary segregation; or, if it be thought impolitic to adopt this course, to make such an appropriation out of the General Fund as will, in conjunction with the interest of moneys already on hand, be sufficient to pay the salary of the State Mineralogist, and his legitimate traveling expenses. I would also respectfully suggest that the salary of the State Mineralogist (at present fixed at $2,400 per annum in currency) be raised to such a figure-say $4,000 in United States currency-that he shall be able to devote his entire time and attention to the duties of his office; and that he shall be required so to devote himself.

The State Cabinet of Minerals has occupied much of my time. I regret that I have been able to procure but few specimens by donation or personally visiting the different mining districts of the State; but feeling a deep interest in the success of the office in the belief that it may be made really beneficial to the community, I have donated to the State the greater portion of my own private collection, and the cabinet in which it is contained, having no funds with which to purchase any other. The cabinet is scarcely suitable for the display of a collection in the most desirable manner for a public museum, but will do in the absence of anything more appropriate. By these means I have been able to procure a collection, carefully labeled, of about 600 specimens, forming a good nucleus for further operations. In the hope that this report will be printed and widely circulated throughout the State, I would take this opportunity of soliciting the cordial co-operation of all mining and mill men, prospectors, and others, in the completion of this collection. It is a shame that a State dependent on mining for its existence should have no intimation of the fact at its State Capital, and no public institution where reliable information relative to its resources can be easily obtained. The expense to each mining company of selecting and forwarding to Carson or Virginia a good series of ores from their mines, and samples of the country rock in which the veins occur, would be merely a nominal

item (not more than $5); whereas if the State has to bear the entire aggregate expense, it would amount to quite a serious sum in the course of a year. Such a series should contain specimens showing every variety of mineral found in the lode, labeled to show the place in the mine from which they were taken; and would answer every purpose, if weighing from four ounces to one pound, though they need not by any means be limited to that size. I cannot dwell too strongly on this point. Such a collection cannot be got together in a day, and will be an 'imperative necessity to a mining school, whenever it may be organized in our State; and that such an institution will spring up in our midst there can scarcely be a doubt. It may be embryotic in its commencement, but even in its earliest stages will require an extensive cabinet for the elucidation of its first instruction. We hear every day of individuals sending such samples as are required to parties out of the State, and it is to be regretted that there is not sufficient State pride to induce them to contribute similar series to the State Cabinet. All specimens donated for this purpose will be fully and carefully labeled, and deposited in the State collection, and described in detail in the catalogue belonging thereto, which ought to be incorporated in the annual report for 1867. Such catalogue will give all possible information as to the name of the mine from which the specimen was taken, the character of the vein, the nature and value of the ore, the name of the donor, and other interesting details. Let this subject have the attention of all who feel any interest in the prosperity of the State.

RECORD OF METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

It has been impossible to keep this record as required by the Act, owing to the want of the necessary instruments, or the funds with which to purchase them; nor can it be successfully done until the incumbent of the office is enabled to devote his entire time to his special duties.

MINING SCHOOL.

It has been likewise impracticable to take even the initiatory steps towards the establishment of this institution, owing to the above-mentioned causes. And here I would say a few words on the liberality of the Federal Government to the State of Nevada in its grants of land for educational purposes, and the apathy with which our Legislatures have treated the subject.

The following is a statement of the lands belonging to the State of Nevada, a portion of the interest accruing from the proceeds of their sale being available for the use of the State University, of which the Mining School is but one department. The Constitution of the State expressly provides that "the Board of Regents shall, from the interest accruing from the first funds which come under their control, immediately organize and maintain the said Mining Department in such manner as to make it most effective and useful." (Const. State of Nevada, Sec. 8, Art. 11.)

The 16th and 36th Sections, estimated by the Surveyor-General of Nevada, in his annual report of 1865,

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Of this amount the time for the selection of the forty sections, donated for the use of Public Buildings and the State Prison, expires on the first of January, 1868, so that but one year remains in which to take advantage of the Act. This subject ought to command the attention of the next Legislature; and while it is under consideration, the best means of making the resources which will accrue to the State from the other donations, immediately available, ought not to be forgotten.

It is probable that, during the coming year, considerable land will be surveyed in Nevada, by the Federal Government, and some portion of these lands may be selected for the above purposes; but, in the mean time, the permission granted by the Constitution of the State, for the issuance of floating Land Warrants, ought to be carried into effect. Such a procedure would materially increase the funds at the disposal of the Board of Regents of the State University, and hasten the time when the Mining Department of that Institution could be organized on an economical basis. And here let me recapitulate the subjects which require attention in this connection:

First. The necessary action of the Legislature to provide for the issuance and sale of floating Land Warrants.

Second. The appointment of officers to apportion the proceeds of such sales to the various funds among which they are to be divided.

Third. The investment of such funds in United States' securities, or bonds of the State of Nevada, so that interest may accrue therefrom.

It is not to be supposed that, in its infancy, the number of pupils at a Mining School would be large, and the preliminary organization might consist merely of a Professorship of Geology and Mining, and another of Chemistry and Metallurgy, which would entail no heavy expense on the funds of the University. The faculty could be increased with the natural growth of the Institution. Nor is it necessary, at this time, to enter into any discussion as to the best location of such a school in Nevada, as it is scarcely probable that circumstances will allow the Board of Regents to take action in the matter during the coming year; nevertheless, the moneys applicable to the object should be carefully looked after, and such disposition made of them as will enable the Board to take initiatory steps at the very earliest moment. The accompanying extract from the S. & M. Press, is well worth consideration in this connection:

A MINING SCHOOL WITHIN OUR REACH.

"The establishment of a school for the purpose of teaching the sciences bearing upon mining and agriculture, is attracting considerable attention at the present time. It is a step which, if well directed at the outset, cannot fail to produce important and beneficial results; while, if otherwise initiated, it can result only in failure, or at best, but imperfect success. The present straitened condition of our finances forbids the expectation of anything like an adequate special appropriation for such an institution as has been proposed, for some years to come; yet the wants of our mining community demand that at least some preliminary steps should be taken in the matter by the present Legislature. At least two years must elapse before any active measures can be inaugurated towards the establishment of a school upon the plan proposed in the Commissioners' Report now before the Legislature. In the mean time we see no reason why the Legislature, now in session, may not make some arrangements by which suitable rooms can be prepared for the temporary reception of the State Geological Cabinet, and for a small class-room, or rooms, provided with a few of the most essential apparatus and other requisites for the instruction of what may, perhaps, be a preparatory class for the more advanced

school in contemplation. The cost of carrying out such a project would be but trifling, and might well be left, under a limited appropriation, in the hands of the Commission proposed in the report now before the Legislature.

"It is a matter of utmost importance that an elementary mining school should be established at once in this city, where a good practical miner may in a few months acquire a fair amount of general knowledge bearing upon his business, in addition to his already acquired skill; and by which he may be enabled to form a tolerably correct judgment with regard to the principal minerals, and accomplish the simpler processes of assaying usually required in the ordinary course of prospecting. Hundreds of miners visit this city every season, and spend quite time enough here, and have sufficient leisure, to acquire an amount of information in that direction which would be of great benefit to them on their return to the mountains. The need of such a school is daily impressed upon us by the scores of miners who are constantly calling at this office during their occasional visits to the city, desiring books, papers, and other means of information which may be useful to them in their mining operations.

"Of course such a scheme as the one here suggested differs entirely from the proposed institution of a college of mines, or "polytechnic school" of high grade, where geology, chemistry, mechanics, physics, botany, natural history, mineralogy, metallurgy, mining, agriculture, surveying, &c., &c., should be taught by a competent corps of professors and lecturers. But the project here proposed need in no way conflict with the carrying out of the proposed higher grade of school. It may either be made the basis of that institution or a preparatory school for it; or it may, at the proper time, be discontinued, and the material which may have accumulated transferred to its more pretentious successor.

"In most European mining districts elementary schools of this description have been established, generally having no connection whatever with the higher grade of mining schools. They are usually located convenient to the mines, and are resorted to chiefly by working miners, or employed for educating a class of men to become trustworthy and intelligent agents and under-overseers. An institution of this class, and located in this city under the control, at first, perhaps, of a single instructor, is one just suited to the present and immediate wants of the great majority of our citizens; and it is an institution entirely within our pecuniary reach. The appropriation needed for such an institution would be very small. A moderate amount of apparatus, only, would be required, especially to start with; and a collection of minerals for ordinary use, not necessarily complete, but such as could readily be collected from the numerous mining offices in this city, would be all that would be needed. Of course the State Cabinet should be made available, under proper restrictions. Such a school would be of incalculable benefit to prospectors; its beneficial effects would soon be felt throughout the State, and its importance become more and more apparent as it progressed. One of its earliest effects would be to free our community, in a great measure, from the mistakes of honest ignorance, as well as from the vexatious impositions of shallow pretenders who have not the shadow of scientific acquirements, or a moiety even of practical experience, to guide them, but who still continue to bamboozle adventurers and overwhelm confiding capitalists with a weight of words and assertions sufficient to relieve them of thousands of dollars, which are worse than thrown away upon foolish or criminal mining schemes.

"There is a flourishing school now in existence at St. Etienne, in the Department of the Loire, France, which was founded in 1816, upon a similar plan to the one here suggested, and which has been advanced from an original elementary grade to one of a very high order. The annual grant upon which this school is based never reached $4,000, including about $1,200 for rent; and yet it has succeeded in securing large collections of every kind, a fine library, chem

ical laboratory, &c. The school is now under the chief direction of the Inspector General of the Department, aided by three engineers of mines, and two or three other assistants. Of course it has received private aid from time to time, to a small extent. Beyond this it has been self-sustaining. Numerous other schools which have now arrived to positions of great usefulness might also be enumerated, which have been very successfully established on very slender pecuniary foundations. We have no lack of men to place at the head of such a school from among those who have had experience in similar institutions abroad.

"We sincerely trust the Legislature will take this matter in hand, and look into it carefully from the standpoint here proposed. We feel confident that so small an amount as five or six thousand dollars, even, can be most usefully employed in this way, and made to benefit the State many a hundred fold ere that body is again called to assemble in the State Capitol."

PARIS EXPOSITION OF 1867.

The policy of having our State fully represented at this grand collection of the industry of all nations has occupied much attention on the part of His Excellency Governor Blasdel and myself. The miserable pittance of $250 voted by the last Legislature for the promotion of this object, if expended in the collection of specimens, would have left nothing for their transportation to Paris; and after much consultation as to the best course to be adopted, we finally issued the following advertisement to the miners of the State, being unable to send collectors to the various mining localities, as would have been the more effective plan:

NOTICE TO MINERS.

INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION AT PARIS, 1867.

No more favorable opportunity for disseminating correct information abroad, as to the extent and richness of our mineral resources, will probably occur for some years; and that the advantage may not be lost to us, and that we may not be behindhand with the other States on the Pacific coast, the gift or loan of good specimens of ores and minerals from every section of the State, so that we may be able to send a collection which shall fairly represent our unrivaled wealth, and be at the same a credit to us, is hereby earnestly solicited from all who may in any way be willing to assist us in the enterprise.

The time at our disposal is limited, and the object can only be attained by the speedy and hearty co-operation of persons in every locality. The importance of the desired result will commend itself to all when it is remembered that our future prosperity depends, in a great measure, upon the introduction of large amounts of capital; and until we remove the false impressions which have most unfortunately been created abroad, we cannot reasonably expect the tide to turn in our favor. Nothing will conduce to that result more than a good representation at this coming Exposition at Paris, where the miners and capitalists of the world will be collected together, to a great extent. In the hands of a competent Commissioner, thoroughly conversant with our resources and necessities, much may be accomplished.

For our credit and benefit as a State, it is hoped that every one interested in the success of our mines will at once extend to us their cordial co-operation and support, for without it we cannot achieve anything beneficial.

Specimens may be of any size-their weight will be no objection, provided they are really valuable. They should be accompanied with a written description, giving all details which may be of interest; and if it is desired, they will be returned at the close of the Exposition. They should be sent in by the 25th day of December, 1866, and addressed "To the care of Governor H. G. Blasdel, Carson City," or to "Richard H. Stretch, State Mineralogist, 75 North B Street, Virginia City, for the Paris Exposition," by Wells, Fargo & Co.

H. G. BLASDEL, Carson City.
R. H. STRETCH, Virginia City.

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