336 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



peat fuel until about the middle of August last. I manufac- 

 tured in all about one hundred and fifty tons, using Leavitt's 

 machine, which I find will turn out, on the average, eight tons 

 of dry, or thirty-two tons of wet peat per day. 



" The cost of manufacturing does not exceed three dollars 

 per ton, which will cover the cost of labor for taking it from the 

 bog, manufacturing and drying ; also the interest on the cost of 

 machinery and buildings and losses from all ordinary accidents. 



" I use some $20,000 worth of fuel per year, and have tried 

 wood, coal and peat, and consider that when hard wood is worth 

 six dollars per cord, coal is worth nine dollars per ton, and peat 

 eight dollars per ton for making steam. It would perhaps be 

 better to state that I am not interested in any peat machine, or 

 in the sale of any peat in any form. 



" Yours, &c, N. W. Farwell." 



Mr. Lcavitt, in the same work from which we have already 

 quoted, gives the following additional testimony as to the value 

 and economy of peat fuel : — " N. F. Potter, Esq., of Providence, 

 R I., President of the Narragansett Brick Company, informs us 

 that he has used peat under their large boilers for several 

 months, with highly satisfactory results as to its heating prop- 

 erties, and at a large reduction of expense as compared with 

 wood or coal. They are now making preparations to manufac- 

 ture it on a large scale." 



Many other illustrations could bo added, all equally satisfac- 

 tory as to the practicability and economy of using this class of 

 fuel. In regard to its use as an article of domestic economy 

 and comfort, even when prepared in the rude old method of the 

 Irish peasantry, and which until recently was the only method 

 adopted in this country, there is also a great deal of favorable 

 testimony from persons who have been accustomed to its use 

 for many years. Prepared in that manner its heating proper- 

 ties are unquestioned, but because of its want of cohesion and 

 liability to crumble when handled, it was not a favorite with 

 housekeepers, as it " made dirt," and the liner particles, by 

 temporarily clogging the fire, produced a smoke which was 

 often disagreeable. But the peat we have seen and tested which 

 has been condensed by the aid of machinery, and thoroughly 

 dried, is an entirely different article ; one, which even the 



