No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 449 



population of at least 2,000 souls. This fact is given as a proof that 

 all of the most rapid growth of population does not take place in the 

 West; and also as encouragement to farmers to remain on the farm; 

 for, with every new industry, mine or manufactory, there is an added 

 source of consumption of agricultural supplies, with a probability 

 of higher prices than heretofore given. 



The numerous clay deposits of Pennsylvania are being investi- 

 gated and developed with more interest and commercial success than 

 heretofore. It is almost certain that a Vermont corporation en- 

 gaged in the manufacture of fire-brick for stoves and furnaces will 

 have a branch established in Susquehanna county on account of some 

 very desirable clays having recently been found in that part of the 

 State. It is believed they will employ over 400 men. 



More effort has lately been given to the mining of copper, owing 

 to the high prices for the metal, than for many years. This com- 

 modity has been found in supposable paying quantities in the coun- 

 ties of Adams, Bedford, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montgomery and York 

 during the past twelve months, and considerable capital has been 

 enlisted. 



Chromite is found in southern Lancaster county in such quanti- 

 ties that a few carloads are sold every year. Efforts are now be- 

 ing made to increase the output. Chrome yellow, and chrome steel 

 for safes are made from this ore. 



Emery of fair quality was mined last year in Berks and Lehigh 

 counties. 



The flint industry is holding its own in Adams. Chester and Lan- 

 caster counties. It may be amusing, if nothing more, to know that 

 fully 30,000 flints are shipped from this country every year for old 

 fashioned flint-lock guns in Asia and Africa, and for striking fire. 

 Most of our flint, however, is used for flint glass, porcelain ware, 

 and similar articles. 



The best fluorspar deposit thus far found in Pennsylvania is located 

 in Fulton county, near Fort Littleton. Little has been taken out 

 and sold, because of the larger deposits in Southern Illinois; but 

 the time is not far off when the demand will warrant the steady 

 working of the fluorite quarry in northern Fulton. 



The galena deposits of Huntingdon county are attracting renewed 

 attention, and on account of the high prices of lead there is a strong 

 likelihood of work in that line in Columbia, Huntingdon and North- 

 umberland counties this year; possibly in Snyder county also. 



The ganister rock industry is very prosperously carried on in Blair, 

 Huntingdon and Mifflin counties, and one firm is shipping a thousand 

 tons a month of this rock to Buffalo, N. Y. It is selling at an ab- 

 surdly low price, about 00 cents a ton on board cars. It is used for 

 furnace linings and silica brick. Our Commonwealth has more 

 silica brick manufactories in profitable operation than any other 

 state in the Union, and the trade is increasing. 



Gold has now been found in 27 counties of the State; but seem- 

 ingly the ores are all too low grade to lead to investment of much 

 capital. 



The mining of graphite is now being carried on very successfully 

 near Chester Springs, Chester county, some of the natural product 



29—6—1905 



