1864.] DR. T. STERRY HUNT ON PEAT. 431 



its calorific power is reduced to 495, or about one-half that of the 

 ■same weiiilit of coal. The averas-e weiijht of a cubic foot of solid 

 coal is about eighty pounds, while air-dried peat has a density cor- 

 responding to only sixty-four pounds. A cubic foot of broken coal, 

 however, contains about sixty pounds, while the same volume of 

 ordinary peat weighs only about thirty pounds ; " so that with but 

 lialf the calorific power, it takes twice the space ; and thus to pro- 

 duce a given eiFect with air-dried peat, it would require twice the 

 weight, and four times the bulk, of the coal necessary to produce 

 the same effect." This calculation as to bulk of course refers to 

 uncompressed peat ; if reduced to the density of coal, as claimed 

 by Mr. Hodgson's process, its volume is of course diminished one 

 half. From his own experience in Lewes, Dr. Paul found that 

 on the moors, where peat was to be had for two shillings the ton, 

 it could be economically used for generating steam, and for burn- 

 ing bricks ; while at Stornaway, near by, where the cost of the 

 .peat, delivered, was six or seven shillings, coal, which was eighteen 

 .shillings the ton, was found more advantageous. He concludes 

 that peat cannot be economically transported to any considerable 

 distance ; but that wherever a peat having a fuel-value one half 

 that of coal, can be delivered at the place of consumption at a cost 

 of four shillings sterling the ton, it may advantageously replace 

 coal, where this, under the same circumstances, costs more than 

 .ten shillings ; but if the price of coal is ten shillings or less, there 

 would be a disadvantage in the use of peat. During four years 

 Dr. Paul used it as the only fuel under stationary steam-boilers, 

 and found it to answer admirably ; and he states that Mr. James 

 Xapier of Glasgow, having tried it upon a steamer, is of opinion 

 that it might be used in place of coal. This, of course, applies to 

 fihort voyages, and to conditions where space is not a great con- 

 •sideration. It is a question for Lower Canada whether properly 

 dried peat can be furnished at a price per ton less than two fifths 

 that of coal ; in which case, it might perhaps be advantageously 

 employed in our inland navigation. 



Large quantities of peat-charcoal are manufactured in France, 

 and in Germany. For this purpose, either ordinary stacks, or 

 cylindrical kilns built of brick, are employed. A current of steam 

 heated to 450^ or 460^ F. has likewise been employed for the 

 .purpose ; and the compressed peat has also been distilled in iron 

 retorts, like those used for making coal gas ; by which means vola- 

 tile oils and combustible 2;as are obtained besides the charcoal. 



