120. .o'ALINJ. 



LETTER XVIII. 



Salina, July, 1820. 

 My Dear Sir, 



I have returned to this place to look at the 

 great manufactories of salt, which are conducted 

 on a very extensive scale. The salt is not only 

 better but cheaper that any in the United States ; 

 its superiority in these essential respects arises 

 from the strength of the water, the cheapness of 

 fuel, the facility of water conveyance, and impro- 

 ved skill in operation. It is supposed that five 

 million bushels of salt are consumed annually in 

 the United States, of which three millions are im- 

 ported, and two made at home ; and half a mil- 

 lion is manufactured at this place. 



The salt springs are situate in a marsh, and by 

 digging a pit any where in it, salt water is found. 

 The brine is forced up by hand pumps and hy- 

 draulic machines, and conveyed by leaders to 

 the caldrons. One man can attend a block of 

 ten kettles. The process of manufacturing is 

 simple. The water is exposed to a hot fire, and 

 when it is sufficiently boiled down, the salt is 

 taken out by a large ladle, and put into a basket, 

 from whence the water exudes into the kettle. 



