Mr. Hall, who, I am cheerful to acknowledge, has acquired an enviable reputation in his department. Tn regard to the Taconic system, I do not know that I am indebted to any one for favors, or for suggestions. Indeed, nothing very flattering has ever been said, or published, respecting the views I have maintained upon this subject. But I have the pleasure of knowing that a few of my friends, and those, too, who have the best opportunities for judging of facts, if they dft not agree with me in every particular, still agree with me in the main, respecting the relation of the Taconic system to the Lower Silurian. It is not for me to express an opinion how this question will be received by geologists now, or whether I have stated my views in the form best calculated to establish my positions. Geologists of higher abilities than myself wouid probably have succeeded better in placing the evidence on record; still, the most important facts will be found in the work; and, ultimately, they must exert an influence in favor of the doctrines I have stated; for I have full faith in them, and believe that they are founded upon established principles, and can not be set aside- Having been familiar with the persons who have been employed in the New York Geological Survey, and well acquainted with its history, I feel that some acknowledg ment is due to one who retired from the survey at a com paratively early stage. I allude to T. A. Conrad, the first palaeontologist of the state, who, I believe, laid the foundation for a correct knowledge of its palaeontology; and who brought to the department a profound knowledge of the lower forms of organic remains. His services, though