249 



the North point invariably pointing toward the iron ore. It is 

 quite evident that these mines may be considered, most truly, to 

 be inexhaustible, and the wood of the country around, though it 

 may supply fuel for many years, is not adequate to smelt more 

 than a very small proportion of the ore actually in view. Hence 

 it is advisable to export much of the ore to the United States, as 

 well as to make charcoal iron for steel on the spot, for exporta- 

 tion to England. 



This we have advised, and have no doubt of its being done, 

 under the new laws of reciprochy in trade with the British Col- 

 onies, which will allow of the introduction of iron ore into this 

 country, and of the exportation of anthracite to Nova Scotia, free 

 of duty ; but the iron made in Nova Scotia cannot be brought to 

 the United States without paying duties, and hence it will be sent 

 to England. This will be mostly fine charcoal iron for making 

 steel. 



Anthracite will smelt the Nictau ores with great ease, and 

 with but little additional flux, since there is silex in it, and nearly 

 enough lime to make a fusible slag. The Anthracite iron made 

 from this ore will be very strong and good, but not so valuable, 

 of course, as charcoal iron. It will make good foundry pig, and 

 good bar iron. 



CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF THE NICTAU IRON ORE. 



This ore, dried at 212^, yielded, in 100 grains : — 



Peroxide of Iron ..... 70.20 



Silica . . . . 



Carbonate of Lime 



Carbonate of Magnesia 



Alumina 



Oxide of Manganese . 



Gain of Oxygen .... 

 It contains SO^Vcr P^^ c^"^- ^^ V^^^^ ^^o"- 



14.40 

 5.60 

 2.80 

 6.80 

 0.40 



100.20 

 .20 



100.00 



