SHUMARD—METEORIC IRON. 623 
smooth, shallow depressions, and for the most part presents a 
dark, somewhat oily appearance, though in places it is eov- 
ered with a thin film of oxide of iron. The freshly-cut sur- 
face has a bright silvery gray hue, which becomes tarnished 
after being exposed for a time to the air. The iron is re- 
markable for its toughness and malleability. 
An analysis of this iron was made by Prof. W. P. Riddell, 
in the Laboratory of the Geological Survey, and he has fur- 
nished the following statement of its composition : 
Austin, Texas, January 23, 1860. 
Dr. B. F. Suumarp, 
Dear Sir: Agreeably to your request, I herewith furnish 
you a statement of the results of my analysis of the meteo- 
ric iron, presented to the State Cabinet by the late Maj. R. 
8. Neighbors : é 
I. The assay was dissolved in Aqua Regia, which effected 
a complete solution. : 
I. The solution was carefully neutralized by Aqua Am- 
monia, and then an excess of Chloride of Ammonium added. 
Ill. The per oxide of Iron was precipitated by Benzoate 
of Ammonia. 
The following is the summary of results: 
Nickel, - - - 
10.007 
Tron, is * i - 89.993 
Cobalt, - - “ trace 
100. 
Respectfully pa ole ree 
Since writing the above, the Texas State Cabinet has been 
roriched with another mass of meteoric iron, somewhat “sot 
ar in composition to the Brazos specimen, but of aan 
Smaller size. All that we have been able to piel : e 
history of this meteorite is, that it was picked up in Denton 
®ounty, in the northern part of this State, and cane con- 
veyed by the finder to McKinney, in Collin county, ane pre- 
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