E 305 ] 



Analysis of American Limestone. By /. Cutbush^ Che- 

 mist arid Apothecary, 



Philadelphia, ISth September, 1810, 



Sir, 



I have made the necessary examination of the lime- 

 stones you wished me to analyze. The comparative 

 quality, with respect to the ingredients of each kind 

 (hard white, and black micaceous) we may, therefore^ 

 the more readily judge of. 



While one variety, on the one hand, according to my 

 experiments, corresponds to that mentioned by Mr. 

 Tennant, the other appears on the contrary, to be com- 

 posed of more calcareous earth, and I presume would 

 answer all the desirable purposes of agriculture.* 



With respect to the limestone, when it comes under 

 the head of magnesian limestone, agreeably to the name 

 of Mr. Tennant, I would merely remark, that when the 

 magnesian earth exceeds a certain j&er centum, it might, 

 with strict propriety be referred to this class ; for in most 

 of the varieties of limestone, the magnesian earth is 

 more or less abundant. 



* Mr. Cutbush in this instance falls too hastily in with Mr. Tennant's 

 hypothesis, in giving the preference to the calcarious lime, for agricultu- 

 ral purposes. Wliereas it is a fact well known, that Mr. Barnett's lime 

 a.bove noticed, (which agrees with Mr. Tennant's magnesian kind) fetches 

 a higher price than any other limes in the&e parts ; and such is the demand 

 for it, that it cannot be got burnt fast enough — AVhea it is known that a 

 kiln is ready, the waggons come the night before it is opened, and next 

 morning they never stop loading until the whole is finished. This is sold 

 at fifteen cents per bushel at the kiln, while the others are bought for 

 twelve and a half cents per bushel. 



VOL. II, (^q 



