Gypsum^ found in the State ofJVexu York. 141 



of lumber, produce and stock, of plaster and coal, 

 which now pass down this rive^, and the consequent in- 

 creased consumption, are taken into view, the stock of 

 the canal company cannot otherwise than be very pro- 

 ductive. 



The advantages of a cheap and excellent fuel, to- 

 your city, are incalculable. Why then are not some 

 efforts made to procure this kind of coal from the Le- 

 high, proportioned to the magnitude of the subject ? 

 Is it of less importance than a supply of good water ? 

 How many miserable wretches, who shiver over your 

 wood fires, which costs them 6 and 8 dollars per cord, 

 could be made comfortable at half the price ? Much of 

 the coal from here is shipped at Havre de Grace, or at 

 tide, for New York, and readily commands 50 per 

 cent, per bushel more than the best Liverpool coal. 



very respectfully, 

 Your obedient servant, 



Jacob Cist. 

 Dr. James Mease. 



Specimens of the lake gypsum, and also of coal from 

 the inexhaustible mines in Luzerne county, were sent 

 by Mr. Cist and are deposited in the cabinet of the socie- 

 ty. Many of the beds of coal are on the banks of the 

 river, J. M. 



