NEW MINERAL DISCOVERIES IN NOVA SCOTIA. GILP1N. 85 



First, or Second, or Avprac-n 



Surplus Gas. Oven Gas. Av 



Olefines .................. 5.2 2.4 3.8 



Marsh Gas .............. 38.7 29.2 33.9 



Hydrogen ................ 38.4 50.5 44.5 



Carbon Monoxide .......... 6.1 6.3 6.2 



Carbon Dioxide .......... 3.6 2.2 2.9 



Oxygen ................... 3 .3 .3 



Nitrogen ................ 7.7 9.1 8.4 



100.0 100.0 100.0 



The foregoing figures are interesting from a chemical stand- 

 point, but no doubt as experience is gained the results will be 

 modified and improved. 



Oil shale in Cape Breton. 



Experiments have been made recently on the oil values of 

 some shale deposits in Cape Breton County, which may appro- 

 priately follow the notes on the distillation of Cape Breton coals. 

 At Macadam's Lake, on the North side of East Bay, the lower 

 carboniferous measures rest on silurian and precambrian strata. 

 Here a number of beds of black lustrous shale are found 

 associated with conglomerates, gray shales, and sandstones 

 pitching heavily to the south, away from the older rocks. 

 These black shales are so highly charged with carbonaceous 

 matter as to be capable of combustion. Explorations have 

 shown a number of beds of this character from two to ten feet 

 in thickness, extending for several miles in an easterly and 

 westerly direction. 



The following results are stated to have been obtained from 

 working tests. The distillation in retorts yields beside a little 

 water, a quantity of heavy oil, a little gas, and coke available for 

 fuel. The yield of oil is from 15 to 20 gallons per ton of 2000 Ibs. 

 In refining this crude distillate, the products may be divided 

 into different varieties, according to the market. A convenient 

 division yields 20 per cent kerosene, 20 per cent white spindle 

 or sewing machine oil, 40 per cent heavy lubricating oil, and 

 20 per cent pitch. 



