80 NEW MINERAL DISCOVERIES IN NOVA SCOTIA. GILPIX. 



This problem has been gradually solved, and now it is 

 possible to produce a good coke, on a commercial basis, and at 

 the same time to save large volumes of gas adapted for illumin- 

 ating and heating purposes. No doubt many improvements 

 remain to be introduced. 



The works of the Halifax Gas Company, at the North-West 

 Arm, are the first established on this side of the Atlantic to 

 carry out this principle, which has already been practised at 

 several places iii Europe. The experience gained here has led to 

 the establishment of an enormous plant on similar lines, to 

 supply gas in Boston. The result of this enterprise is being 

 watched with much interest in the United States, and its 

 success will lead to the establishment of similar plants at many 

 commercial centres. The application of gas in that country, for 

 engine power, and many other uses, was no doubt largely due 

 to the supply of natural gas available for many years. The 

 gradual decrease of natural gas excites interest in any scheme 

 proposed to fill its place. 



The proposal to utilize Cape Breton coal in the new works at 

 Boston led to a number of tests of the coal as to its gas, coke 

 values, etc., as well as to the quantity and nature of the impuri- 

 ties present. This evening I propose to give briefly some results 

 arrived at, that they may be on record for comparison with 

 future tests I have also a few remarks on new discoveries of 

 ores in Nova Scotia. 



At the Halifax works, the coal used is washed slack from the 

 Phalen and Harbor seams, of the Dominion Coal Company, 

 approximating GO per cent of fixed carbon. The gas is divided 

 into that available for illuminating purposes, and the poorer gas 

 to be used for heating the ovens, and for sale for heating 

 purposes. In 24 hours, 37 short tons yield 310,000 cubic feet of 

 gas, of which 100,000 cu. ft., 32.26 per cent, are illuminating gas, 

 and 210,000 cu. ft., 67.74 per cent, heating gas ; of the latter 

 170,000 cu. ft. are consumed in the process of coking, and the 

 balance 40,000 cu. ft. can be used as heating gas. A long ton 

 furnishes, on the average, 5 Ibs. ammonia gas, and 12 gallons, 



