1846.] Mineral Resoiirces of JVew York. 43 



thousand acres of peat land, varying in depth from four to twenty 

 feet. The average depth will be equal to six feet at least. Marl, 

 too, accompanies the peat and increases greatly the value of this 

 substance as a manure. 



We have no correct data by which to determine the value of 

 the lime business, but in Orange it exceeds a hundred and eighty 

 thousand bushels per annum, and in Dutchess, at Barnegat, the 

 produce exceeds 1,500,000. 



It appears, then, from the foregoing imperfect account of the 

 mineral wealth of New York, that every section of the state is 

 supplied with something valuable, from which her citizens may 

 derive advantage, and to which they may direct their energies. 

 In regard to their value, though we have not attempted an esti- 

 mate in the aggregate, or even on individual products, w^e have 

 no doubt of this, that time, instead of diminishing will greatly in- 

 crease the value of the productions which have been described in 

 this article. The persons, or the class who are deeply interested in 

 thes' productions, is the farming class, for it must supply the means 

 of living to those who are employed in raising and manufacturing 

 the products of the mineral kingdom. All business of this kind fur- 

 nishes a home market, which is worth a third more than a distant 

 one; the price of a farmer's produce is as great at home, or at 

 his own village, as at a distance of 25 or 30 miles, and the time, 

 the expense, the wear and tear of journeying for man and beast is 

 saved. The proper encouragement of industrial pursuits of a me- 

 chanical kind, and those concerned in bringing into use the raw 

 material of our hills and of our rocks, ought not to be forgotten by 

 the agricultuiist. We have seen obstacles thrown in the way by 

 some men in this pursuit. Prejudice against strangers, or fo- 

 reigners, has usually been at the foundation of this opposition. It 

 is true the Irish laborer, who is often employed in these laborious 

 pursuits, is not at first one of the best members of society; still, 

 may we not hope and expect that in a few years, by intercourse 

 with a more enlightened people, the despised laborer wnll attain 

 a respectable standing in society, and finally make an excellent 

 addition to the population of this country. The great advantages 



