252 



THE BOOK OF THE LANDED ESTATE. 



Easdale on the west coast of Scotland. The best quality is that which 

 splits into thin layers with an even surface, and should be free from iron 

 ore. At the Bangor quarries one thousand men are kept in employment, 

 and a profit of about 80,000 per annum is realised. The slate-stone is 

 removed in large blocks, and those fit for roofing are split up to the 

 necessary thickness with iron wedges, and are then trimmed with a 

 knife. 



Slates are cut in different sizes, and the various kinds are distinguished 

 by particular names. The following is a list of the different kinds of 

 slate in the market : 



Imperials, 



Duchesses, 



Rigs, 



Queens, 



Countesses, 



Ladies, , 



Doubles, 



30 inches by 24 inches. 



24 

 36 

 36 

 20 

 16 

 13 



12 



24 

 24 

 10 



7 



Westmoreland slates are of various sizes. 



It may be useful to know the weight of each kind of slate, and also the 

 number of each required to roof a square a square being one hundred 

 square feet of roofing. 



Imperials 500 will cover 2 squares, and weigh 1 ton. 



Duchesses 500 will cover 5 squares, and weigh l tons. 



Rags and queens 500 will cover 1^ squares, and weigh J ton. . ** 



Countesses 500 will cover 3 squares, and weigh 1 ton. 



Ladies 500 will cover 2j squares, and weigh ton fully. 



Doubles 501) will cover 1^ squares, and weigh 7 cwt. 



Slab slate, 1 inch thick, will weigh 14 Ib. per superficial foot. 



The following table shows the cost of roofing witli each kind of slate 

 per square, as done in 1867 : 



The heavier kinds of slate are suitable for roofing in exposed situa- 

 tions, and the lighter ones in more sheltered places. Copper nails should 



