228 On the Rhode- Island Coal. 



many, it is greatly superior. I shall now endeavour to 

 point out, concisely, and without prejudice or partiality, 

 the various purposes to which Rhode-Island coal may 

 be applied, as well as those to which it appears to be 

 inapplicable, concluding with some observations on 

 the most eligible method of using it. 



The manufacture of iron has become so general and 

 extensive over the continent of America, that it has, 

 perhaps, more than any other circumstance, contributed 

 to raise the price of fuel ; and, should it continue to in- 

 crease, the woods of the country cannot long afford a 

 sufficient supply, in situations where such works can be 

 carried on with the greatest advantage. Many of the 

 most valuable mines must, therefore, be neglected ; in 

 the neighbourhood of Rhode- Island, in particular, this 

 has already been the case ; and, though abounding in 

 iron ore, the scarcity of fuel on the spot has discou- 

 raged the manufacture of it. 



It therefore requires but little argument to show the 

 advantage that may be taken of this discovery. The 

 Rhode -Island coal is peculiarly calculated for the smelt- 

 ing- of iron ore ; it bears the blast remarkably well, and, 

 having no tendency to vitrify in the furnace, besides 

 producing an intense heat, it may be applied with more 

 economical views to this purpose, than charcoal; and, 

 as the arts progress in this country, and iron, from its 

 crude state, is manufactured into steel, this coal may- 

 be used to advantage, as it seems to possess the pecu- 

 liar qualities necessary for the manufacture of this arti- 

 cle. Steel being nothing more than bar iron, Unpreg- 



