54 ~ Geology of Massachusetts. 
According to Professor Webster, thin veins of micaceous iron ore, 
exists in the porphyry of Malden, which were formerly wrought to 
some extent. It occurs also in graywacke, at Brighton, and in green- 
stone at Charlestown, according to the Messrs. Danas. 
Beds of Brown Oxide cf Iron. 
This species of ore is of an excellent quality, and it occurs in the 
loose soil above the rocks, so as to be easily obtained. Hence it is 
used to a greater extent, perhaps, in our country, than any other 
species. A very extensive series of beds of this ore, accompanies 
the limestone that is so abundant along the western margin of 
Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont; although, as the beds 
lie upon the clay that is deposited above all the solid rocks, they 
have no necessary connexion with the limestone. ; 
Beds in Lenox. 
These have been explored to some extent in the village, and a 
mile or two farther west. ‘The ore is good, I believe, but at present 
it is not used. 
Beds in Richmond. 
These appear to be numerous and extensive. They are wrought 
to some extent. 
Bed in West Stockbridge. 
This furnishes good ore, and is explored more extensively than 
any other I saw in the county. The farmer who owns it receives 
thirty seven cents and a half per ton, for the privilege of digging it- 
In Salisbury, Ct. 
The beds here are very large, and have been extensively ex- 
plored. The Salisbury iron is known far and wide. 
In Bennington, Vt. 
Here also the same ore is dug to some extent; and these beds 
seem to deserve a notice, because they lie, like those in Salisbury; 
upon the borders of Massachusetts. 
In all the beds of brown oxide of iron mentioned above, we find 
the brown hematite in all its forms, the compact variety, and the ochrey 
brown oxide, or yellow ochre. Manganese also is found in them all, 
and at Bennington, in large quantities; although I have been told, that 
this locality is nearly exhausted. It was of a superior quality. 
