Mineralogy of New York. 27 



alumina 7.50, moisture and loss 2.75. This ore is said to require 

 a higher heat and one third more charcoal than other iron ores. 



The hematitic iron of Dutchess County, occurs according to 

 Mr. Mather, in beds situated near the junction of the mica or 

 talcose slate with the gray and white limestone. The Amenia 

 ore bed furnishes about five thousand tons of ore annually, and 

 yields on an average 50 per cent, of pig iron. 



" The manufacture of iron was commenced, in the State of 

 New York, at a comparatively early period. It was actively 

 carried on in Orange County for several years previously to the 

 American Revolution. I have, however, no means of determin- 

 ing the extent of the manufacture at that early date. In 1810, 

 the value of the iron manufactured in the state was estimated at 

 $859,895. At that time there were in the counties of Essex 

 and Clinton, one bloomery and twelve forges, at which 259 tons 

 were manufactured, besides 100 tons from the furnaces.* In 

 1830, the number of iron-works and trip-hammers in the state 

 was 335, of which the Fourth and Fifth Senate Districts con- 

 tained no less than 176. According to the census returns made 

 in 1835, the number of iron-works and trip-hammers was 434, 

 and the value of the iron manufactured was $4,713,530 ; being 

 an increase from 1830 of nearly 100 iron-works and trip-ham- 

 mers, and in the value of iron manufactured of upwards of 

 $1,000,000. In 1840, according to the census returns, there 

 were 306 furnaces, bloomeries, forges and rolling mills ; in which 

 82,654 tons of cast iron, and 58,275 tons of bar iron, were man- 

 ufactured. The capital invested in these was estimated at 

 $2,113,818. To this should be added $1,806,638, as the value 

 of hardware, cutlery, &c. manufactured." — p. 38. 



Dr. Beck states that on account of the rude methods of work- 

 ing the ores, the iron trade has not been as profitable or flourish- 

 ing as might have been expected. The ores are as good and as 

 abundant as could be desired, and nothing but proper system 

 and the improved modes of smelting are necessary for the most 

 complete success. The continued use of the common forge, as 

 Prof. Beck states, is bad economy, often losing one half the pro- 

 duct that a well constructed furnace would afford. The recent 

 substitution of anthracite for charcoal in blast furnaces bids fair 



* Tench Coxe. Statement of Arts and Manufactures in the United States. 



