560 INQUIRY INTO THE STRENGTH, ETC. 
experiments, are greater than those obtained from 
either of the samples which I have received. I am 
unable to assign the cause of the difference which 
exists, and can only observe, that the preceding 
experiments were conducted with the greatest 
care, and the utmost attention was paid to every 
circumstance, however minute, in order to obtain 
correct results. 
In conclusion, I would observe, that—judging 
from the experiments—I consider the use of 
anthracite coal rather favourable than otherwise 
to the manufacture of iron; and provided some 
well conducted experiments were made to ascer- 
tain the requisite proportions of flux and ore to 
this description of coal, much might be done to 
improve the quality of the iron, and to bring into 
useful operation a valuable and important mineral 
production. 
