Dr Bowring on the Boracic Acid Lagoons of Tuscany. 87 



every descent till it passes to the crystallizing vessels, from 

 whence it is carried to the drying rooms, vphere, after two or 

 three hours, it becomes ready to be packed for exportation. 



The number of establishments is nine.* The whole amoun t 

 produced varies from 7000 to 8000 pounds (of 12 ounces) per 

 day. The produce does not appear susceptible of much ex- 

 tension, as the whole of the water is turned to account ; the 

 atmosphere has, however, some influence on the result. In 

 bright and clear weather, whether in winter or summer, the 

 vapours are less dense, but the depositions of boracic acid in 

 the lagoons are greater. Increased vapours indicate unfavour- 

 able change of v/eather, and the lagoons are infallible baro- 

 meters to the neighbourhood, even at a great distance, serv- 

 ing to regulate the proceedings of the peasantry in their agri- 

 cultural pursuits. 



It had long been supposed that the boi'acic acid was not to 

 be found in the vapours of the lagoons ; and when it is seen 

 how small the proportion of acid must originally be, it will not 

 be wondered at that its presence should have escaped atten- 

 tion. In the lowest of the lagoons, after five, six, and in some 

 cases a greater number of impregnations, the quantity of bo- 

 racic acid given out does not exceed one-half per cent. ; thus, 

 if the produce be estimated at 7500 pounds per day, the quan- 

 tity of saturated water daily discharged is a million and a half 

 of Tuscan pounds, or five hundred tons English. 



The lagoons are ordinarily excavated by the mountaineers 

 of Lombardy, who emigrate into Tuscany during the ^^dnter 

 season when their native Appenines are covered with snow. 

 They gain about one Tuscan lira per day. But the works are 

 conducted, when in operation, by natives, all of whom are 

 manned, and who occupy houses attached to the evaporating- 

 pans. They wear a common uniform, and their health is ge- 

 nerally good. 



A great improvement in the cultivation, and a great increase 

 in the value, of the neighbouring soil has naturally followed 

 the introduction of the manufacture of the boracic acid. A 

 rise of wages has accompanied the new demand for labour ; 



* The principal me Monte Corboli, Monte Eotondo, Susso, Sorazzano, 

 and Castclnuovo. 



