Mr Menteath on the Geology qf' Nithsdale. ^ 



On account of the distance from eoal, great pains has been 

 taken in economizing fuel at these Hme-works, by contriving 

 such a form of kiln that will produce in a given time the great- 

 est quantity of well calcined lime, with tlie smallest possible 

 quantity of fuel. 



The kilns employed at Closeburn Works are built on the side 

 of a hill, and they are of two forms, the circular and the oval. 



The circular kiln has cast-iron doors to the fuel chamber and 

 ash-pit, and a cast-iron cap or cover, which, turning on a pivot, 

 and resting on a curb-ring fixed on the top of the masonry of 

 the kiln, can l>e put on or off the top of the kiln when required. 

 This iron cover, having a chimney l2 inches in diameter, fitted 

 up with a damper, prevents the escape of heat at all times ; and 

 when the country sale is irregular, keeps the fire from going out, 

 by being kept close, as well as the doors below. One of these 

 circular iron-topped kilns will deliver daily, of well calcined lime, 

 f ths of its contents.* 



Closeburn lime-work receiving its fuel from a great distance, 

 S5 miles or more, it is found to be a considerable saving of car- 

 riage to coke or char the coal at the pit. A measure of this 

 coke burns as much as the same measure of coal, but is used 

 only in this kind of kiln. 



The oval kiln varies somewhat in its proportions from the cir- 

 cular. The oval form has been found preferable, when coal ift 

 the fuel employed. It is built in a similar situation with the 

 circular. It has windows to the fuel chamber, and ash-pit and 

 an arched cover formed of an iron frame filled up with brick, 

 with a chimney, the whole moving with wheels on a railway ; 

 and by means of windlasses, it can be drawn off or on the top of 

 the kiln.f 



From this oval kiln f ths of its contents may be drawn out 



• Of the circular, the following are the proportions :— It is circular within, 

 32 feet high from the furnaces, 3 feet diameter at top and hottom, and 7 feet 

 diameter at 18 feet from the bottom. 



f The height of this oval kiln is 35 feet, the short diameter at the fuel 

 chamber is 22 inches ; and, at the height of 20 feet, the short diameter is gra- 

 dually extended to 5 feet, and is so continued to the top, where the oval is 

 9 feet by 5 feet. And having a broad fuel chamber, it requires three separate 

 doors or openings more speedily to draw out the lime. 



