COMMUNICATIONS. 359 



tion ; and will soon be able to supply tlie home market witli 

 those articles. 



They are preparing to erect extensive works at the ore bed, 

 as soon as the demand for iron shall justify it. 



In consequence of the failure of the first experiments at Iron 

 Eidge, this ore fell into disrepute, and is even now supposed to 

 be worthless by many who are not familiar with the recent suc- 

 cessful results. It should be remembered, however, that nearly 

 all mines of iron and coal, are at first regarded as valueless. 

 Every ore bed presents some new feature, and requires often 

 patient and long-continued experiment to ascertain its true value, 

 and the best mode of rendering it available. It is rare also to 

 find an ore which is valuable for many uses, unless combined 

 with other ores. 



Even the best scotch pig is improved by a mixture of our 

 iron. We may be quite certain, therefore, that as experiments 

 shall be made with our ores, either by new combinations or 

 modes of working, latent properties and values now unknown 

 will be developed. 



The accompanjdng certificates from several of the principal 

 iron manufacturers of the west, are the best possible attestations 

 to the value of this deposit of ore. The Northwestern Company 

 deserves great credit for the quiet, persevering manner in which 

 it has proceeded in the development of this great interest. It is 

 now realizing rich returns upon its heavy investments, and 

 promises to be a most profitable concern to its stock holders. 



Chicago, June 11, 1857. 



To THE Northwestern Iron Company, Dodge Co., Wisconsin: 



Gents : — I have used in my foundry here, and been acquaint- 

 ed with your pig iron, made in Wisconsin, nearly four years • 

 and can say from its peculiar solidity, and the smoothness with 

 which it runs, that no better pig iron can be procured here for 

 gas, steam or water pipes, lamp posts, etc. For machinery, I 

 find by mixing with stronger irons, it improves the smoothness 



