360 On the Manufaeture of Tin-plate. 
in the processes of dyeing, and in all other 
cases where pure tin is required. I am also 
desirous of remarking, that in my opinion, 
it would be more profitable to the proprietor 
of a tin-plate work, if he were to use gram 
tin alone, or grain tin mixed with that kind 
which is known by the name of “ Refined 
Tin,” because these kinds not only contain 
less dross, but they melt, as I know by my 
own experience, into a more fluid metal; 
and consequently, more would run off the 
plates in the operation of tinning, and less 
tin would be consumed. At present these 
manufacturers use the block and grain tin, 
in equal proportions. 
When the tin-pot has been charged in the 
way above mentioned, the metal is heated 
from a fire-place underneath it, and by flues 
which go round the pot, until it is as hot as 
it can be made without actually inflaming the 
grease which swims upon its surface. The 
use of the grease is to preserve the tin from 
the action of the atmosphere, and consequently 
to prevent it from oxidating. By melting a 
little tin or lead in an iron ladle, and, when 
the dross is skimmed off, putting a morsel of 
‘tallow upon the metallic fluid, the effect of 
the tallow in cleansing the face of the metal 
will be evident. ‘The workmen also say, that 
