80 NEW MINERAL DISCOVERIES IN NOVA SCOTIA.—GILPIN. 
This problem has been gradually solved, and now it is 
possible to produce a good coke, on a commercial basis, and at 
the same time to save large volumes of gas adapted for illumin- 
ating and heating purposes. No doubt many improvements 
remain to be introduced. 
The works of the Halifax Gas Company, at the North-West 
Arm, are the first established on this side of the Atlantie to 
carry out this principle, which has already been practised at 
several places in Europe. The experience gained here has led to 
the establishment of an enormous plant on similar lines, to 
supply gas in Boston. The result of this enterprise is being 
watched with much interest in the United States, and its 
success will lead to the establishment of similar plants at many 
commercial centres. The application of gas in that country for 
engine power, and many other uses, was no doubt largely due 
to the supply of natural gas available for many years. The 
gradual decrease of natural gas excites interest in any scheme 
proposed to fill its place. 
The proposal to utilize Cape Breton coal in the new works at 
Boston led to a number of tests of the coal as to its gas, coke 
values, etc., as well as to the quantity and nature of the impuri- 
ties present. This evening I propose to give briefly some results 
arrived at, that they may be on record for comparison with 
future tests. Ihave also a few remarks on new discoveries of 
ores in Nova Scotia. 
At the Halifax works, the coal used is washed slack from the 
Phalen and Harbor seams, of the Dominion Coal Company, 
approximating 60 per cent of fixed carbon. The gas is divided 
into that available for illuminating purposes, and the poorer gas 
to be used for heating the ovens, and for sale for heating 
purposes. In 24 hours, 37 short tons yield 310,000 cubic feet of 
gas, of which 100,000 cu. ft., 52.26 per cent, are illuminating gas, 
and 210,000 cu. ft., 67.74 per cent, heating gas; of the latter 
170,000 cu. ft. are consumed in the process of coking, and the 
balance 40,000 cu. ft. can be used as heating gas. A long ton 
furnishes, on the average, 5 lbs. ammonia gas, and 12 gallons, 
