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[The preceding page is an image: View of Model of the State of Maryland]
INTRODUCTION.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SURVEY.
The state of Maryland, lying midway between the North and South,
and stretching as it does from the Atlantic ocean to the crest of the
Alleghanies, with the great estuary of the Chesapeake Bay and its
tributaries extending far into the land in all directions, possesses many
advantages over neighboring commonwealths. There is probably no
state of equal size in the Union that has such a variety of natural
features in climate, soils and mineral resources, while its central loca-
tion and numerous natural highways of commerce and trade render
this native wealth of the greatest importance to the material pros-
perity of the people.
It is but natural that the citizens of Maryland should demand the
fullest investigation of these factors which the methods of modern
science can command. It was in accordance with this idea that a bill
was introduced at the last session of the General Assembly calling for
a thorough study of the physical features, including the physiography,
geology and mineral resources of the state.
THE BILL.
The bill by which the survey was established is entitled:
" An Act to establish a State Geological and Economic Survey, and
to make provision for the preparation and publication of reports
and maps to illustrate the natural resources of the State, together
with the necessary investigations preparatory thereto. "1
SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland,
That there is hereby established a State Geological and Economic
Survey which shall be under the direction of a commission composed
of the Governor, the Comptroller, the president of the Johns Hopkins
1 Laws of Maryland, 1896, Chapter 51.
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