Geology of Massachusetis. 53 
first quality; and this spot is peculiarly interesting on another ac- 
count, to which I shall refer in the sequel. 
In Winchester, a geet o & 
This bed is only two or three miles north of the line of Massachu- 
setts, and the ore is said to be abundant, though for some reason, the 
working of it has ceased. The ore very much resembles that from 
Franconia in New Hampshire. 
In Cumberland, R. I. 
Dr. Robinson says that he has obtained magnetic oxide of iron, 
from “ most of the thirteen mine holes” which he visited in that 
town. But the principal bed of ore, lies about two miles north east 
of the meeting house, and constitutes a large hill. It is obtained with 
great facility by blastiig. It contains however several foreign min- 
erals, so that as it is now worked, it yields only about 30 per cent. 
of iron. This is probably far less than it contains; for it has a high 
specific gravity. The ore is smelted principally in Massachusetts, © 
Itis owned by General Leach of Easton, and will furnish an inex- 
haustible supply. 
Magnestic oxide of iron is found at other places in Massachusetts ; 
as at Woburn, in a vein of greenstone, associated with sulpburet of 
Copper ; 3 but at none of the localities, in quantity sufficient to make 
it an object for the miner. - 
- Micaceous oxide of Iron. 
This ore, which is found abundantly at Hawley with the magnetic 
oxide, furnishes perhaps the most elegant specimens in the world; 
and I know not why it should not produce good iron. Indeed, I be- 
lieve it has been smelted within a few years, along with the magnetic 
oxide. : 
Vein of micaceous oxide in Montague. 
Near the mouth of Miller’s river is a hill of considerable extent, 
which appears to be traversed by numerous veins of this ore. The 
largest which comes in sight, is in the south east part of the hill, 
at the top of a ledge of mica slate and granite, and is several feet in 
width. It is favorably situated for exploration, and unless the ore is 
injured by an occasional mixture of Sulphuret of iron, I do not see 
why. it might not be profitably wrought. Wood is very abundant in 
the vicinity, and it is not far from Connecticut river. Good mica- 
ceous oxide of iron, yields about 70 per cent. of excellent iron. 
