576 



GAS, COAL 



1 These retorts were first made by the present exhibitors in ten pieces (this being 

 twenty years ago), and since then the number of pieces has boon reduced successively 

 to four, three, and two pieces, till iu 1844 they were enabled to patent a process for 

 making them in one piece, and at the present time they are thus manufactured of 

 dimensions as much as 10 feet long by 3 feet wide in the inside, which is, however, 

 more than double the size of the largest exhibited by them. 



' Gas retorts of very fair quality are shown by Mr. Kamsay of Newcastle, who has 

 also succeeded extremely well in the manufacture of fire-bricks. The retorts 



1035 



show a little more iron than is desirable, but the exhibitor has boon considered worthy 

 of honourable mention. Retorts of less creditable appearance are exhibited by Mcusra, 

 Hickman and Co. of Stourbridgo, and Mr. A. Potter of Newcastle. The surface of 

 both these retorts is cracked and undulating. When we consider the high and long- 

 continued temperature to which these objects are exposed, the absolute necessity of 

 attending to every detail in mixing tlio cl.-iy and mo.ul!ing the retort will be at onco 

 recognised, and the apparently slight delect a of somo of those sent t'ur exhibition 

 require to be noticed as of real importance, 



