THE NONMETALLIC MINERALS. 



425 



tity of silicious sand, and locally known as "muck," is thus used through- 

 out New England. 



According to J. E. Kehl, United States consul at Stettin, Germany, 

 the manufacture of peat briquettes in that country is likely to become 

 an industry of some importance. The material fresh from the moor 

 is cut and ground quite finely by machinery, dried by steam, and 

 pressed into the desired form. The material thus prepared is said to 

 be clean to handle, gives a good heat, and burns satisfactorily in both 

 stoves and open grates. The peat briquettes retail at the rate of 8 for 

 a cent, American money. 1 



From a study made by Drs. J. W. Dawson and B. J. Harrison 

 some years ago 2 it was concluded that the peat deposits of Prince 

 Edward Island were capable of economic utilization. Three deposits 

 were referred to, the possibilities of which were given as below: 



Lenox Island bog, at $4 a ton, 20,000 tons, value $80, 000 



Squirrel Creek bog, at $4 a ton, 500,000 tons, value 2, 000, 000 



Black Bank bog, at $4 a ton, 1,777,248 tons, value 7, 108, 992 



Total. 



9, 189, 992 



The following analyses of peats are given by this authority: 



Below are given the results of analyses of I, peat from bog of 

 Allan, Ireland; II,* a "muck" from Maine, United States; and III, 

 Commander Islands in Behring Sea (Specimen No. 59320, U.S.N.M.): 



LIGNITE OR BROWN COAL. This name is given to a brownish -black 

 variety of coal characterized by a brilliant luster, conchoidal fracture, 

 and brown streak. Such contain from 55 to 65 per cent of carbon and 

 burn easily, with a smoky flame, but are inferior to the true coals for 

 heating purposes. They are also objectionable on account of the soot 

 they create, and their rapid disintegration and general deterioration 



United States Consular Reports, January, 1899, p. 99. 



2 Report on the Geological Structure and Mineral Resources of Prince Edward 

 Island, 1871. 



