BUILDING MATERIALS. QI 



field is a landmark 15 to 20 miles away. The range seems to terminate 

 with the Colonel Sanborn hill in Springfield ; but I have found limited 

 patches of it, not shown upon the map, near George's mills. The mica 

 of New Hampshire is extremely abundant, and there is no danger that 

 the supply will be exhausted for many generations. 



Plumbago. 



This mineral is found in Goshen, Antrim, Bristol, Nelson, Hancock, 

 Chester, Mt. Monadnock, Sutton, Barrington, Bedford, Troy, Walpole, 

 Washington, Hillsborough, Keene, Wentworth, Orford, and elsewhere. 

 It is not equal in quality to that obtained at Ticonderoga and other Lau- 

 rentian districts, but sells readily for a second quality article, and is use- 

 ful for the manufacture of crucibles. The most extensive mine is at 

 Goshen, formerly owned by President Pierce. It is on the flank of Sun- 

 apee mountain, included in pyritiferous mica schist, and accompanied by 

 radiated black tourmaline. The bed is small, and traversed by a better 

 quality of the same mineral in cross veins. The amount raised and sold 

 annually has varied greatly. In 1840 the yield was 20 tons. A few 

 years later the product was greater; and the locality is capable of fur- 

 nishing a larger supply, should it be called for. 



The Antrim bed is irregular in thickness, varying from a few inches 

 to two feet. The material is said to be soft and pure. 



Few minerals are talked of more than plumbago by the farmers, as 

 they often find it in an impure condition. A good article is free from 

 grit, and can be readily cut with the knife without coming into contact 

 with hard bunches. To those searching for it, I would recommend ex- 

 ploitation where the rocks are most crystalline. All our mica schists 

 show the mineral, but it is apt to be impure. 



Precious Stones. 



These are not abundant ; but very beautiful specimens of beryl, garnet, 

 cinnamon stone, amethyst, rose quartz, iolite, and other minerals are often 

 found, which are suitable for being cut as gems. I refer the reader to 

 Part IV for a description of the minerals and localities. 



