30 
almost entirely of fine angular quartz grains. At a recent visit 
to the factory during the snow blockade, which prevented their 
obtaining the regular sand I found that they were using the local 
village sand for cutting purposes with fair results. Specimens of 
it were obtained for comparison with the regular sand. It lacked 
the purity of the latter, containing hardened mud, small pieces 
of shale, and finely triturated limestone, together with the silice- 
ous particles. Although no actual measurements were made, an 
examination with the low power showed that the grains varied 
more in size than the Oneida Lake sand, some of its particles 
being much larger than any of the grains of the latter. Occa- 
sionally sand has been used which was obtained from Lake On- 
tario, no specimens of this were examined. 
The “ green ”’ sand as it is received at the factory can not 
be used on the rub-wheel, but must first be broken and reduced in 
the sawing process, after which it is preserved for use on the rub- 
bing-plate. 
WaTER PowER is used at this factory, there being several 
falls along the course of this stream, which is noted for its steady 
power. This is due to the existence of the DeRuyter reservoir 
at the head of the stream which is used as a feeder for the Erie - 
canal, thus giving a regular supply of water. A fifty horse power 
turbine wheel is used for obtaining the power. 
UsrEs AND Prices. We have already spoken of the fitness 
of the Labrador stone for glass-worker’s and carver’s files, also of 
its admirable adaptation for kitchen and table stones. It is also 
cut into carpenter’s whetstones, axe stones, and smaller stones 
for mechanic’s use. Its toughness makes it valuable wherever 
strength is a necessary quality, hence it is particularly adapted 
for coarser kinds of files. The following are wholesale prices 
quoted from the Pike catalogue for 1893. Cut into axe stones 
it brings 20 cents a pound, as slips it brings 50 per cent. more, 
wheels are classified at 50 cents per inch, while the kitchen hones 
bring from $4.00 to $5.00 per pound. 
In conclision it is well to remember that the Labrador stone 
is the only rock found in New York state which is used for whet- 
