OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 275 
of the finer particles will be washed away. Perhaps the best method will be one similar to that 
called “ bucking” in the washing of lead ores, where a brisk current of water is passed over the ore, 
as it passes in a narrow trough from the stamps, the whole subsiding into shallow vessels, where it 
is kept gently agitated, at the same time that the water overflows the trough, and carries with it the 
earthy impurities, leaving the ore, which from its greater specific gravity sinks, and is collected 
for use. 
In allowing the ore to pass along a trough with a current of water, the friction of the particles 
among themselves, and against the sides of the trough, tends to rub off the adhering gangue. When 
the ore drops into the shallow troughs, the agitation should be gentle, and two of the troughs placed 
side by side, so that what escapes in the first may be caught in the second. 
These ores are so valuable that they will repay any moderate amount of labor bestowed upon 
them. The value of the iron of these ores would be greatly enhanced, were it converted into boil- 
er plates, or other articles requiring great tenacity. 
In England, there is no iron manufactured by means of charcoal, but for special purposes ; bar iron 
is made by refining, with a mixture of charcoal and coke, and the bar€hus manufactured sells for 
$70 per ton, for such purposes as chain cables, nail rods, boiler-plates, piston rods, &c., and in this 
way the manufacturers have been able to compete with the iron of northern Europe, where charcoal 
is the ordinary fuel, the latter iron being now only used for the manufacture of steel for cutlery. 
Yet we are using iron thus manufactured, and from ore precisely the same as the Swedish, for the 
very commonest purposes. 
The consumption of fuel is so enormous, in every process connected with the manufacture of iron, 
and forms so large an item in the expense, that every means of lessening it should receive the ut- 
most attention. ‘ 
The hot blast, which has produced sucha change in the consumption of fuel in Europe, has not 
yet been introduced in any of the blast furnaces of the State. 
The mode of applying the hot blast is simple. A small furnace is lined with a contorted tube, 
which is heated to any required degree. Through this tube the air passes from the blowing ma- 
chine, to the tuyeres. The effect of this improvement has been to lessen the amount of fuel em- 
ployed; to increase the work of the furnace, and to enable a smaller quantity of flux to answer. 
According to Dr. Clark’s account of the Clyde Iron works, 
In 1829, 1 ton of iron required 8 tons 1 cwt. 1 qr. of coal. 
In 1833, “ “ “ GO) “ 5 “ 1 “ “ 
Thé charge for the furnace was, in 
1829. 1833. 
Coke, - - - - - 5 ewt. - - Coal 5 ewt. 
Roasted ironstone, - - - 3ewt.1lqr.14lbs. - Sia 
Limestone, - - - - 3 qrs. 16 lbs. - : bias 
The temperature of the blast was 300° Fahr. Such an enormous saving as this needs no com- 
ment. Now with usit is the economy of fuel, for obvious reasons, that we should most of all look to. 
But besides this, another improvement has been introduced, scarcely inferior to it. I mean the 
use of the gaseous matter that escapes from the trundle head of the high furnace. Without entering 
into the details of the processes going on in relation to combustion in the furnace, let it suffice to 
Pa 
