22 JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS. 



On this basis, and assuming L at 2.50, C at 2.75 and P 5.00, 

 the figure would amount to 2.18 + 1.55 4- 2.00, or a total of $5.81 ; 

 the cost of lime and coke however is placed at a very low figure, 

 but it is evident that the true theoretical minimum price is between 

 $5.80 and $8.73. 



I have also the following estimates of cost at the Niagara Falls 

 establishment, as follows : 



To produce one ton of carbide, at the rate of 10 tons per day, 

 it requires — 



200 electrical H. P. 24 hours at $20 per year. . . .$10.95 



1,440 lbs. coke at $3.50 per ton 2.52 



1,800 " lime at $4.50 " " 405 



Labor, depreciation, etc., &:c , . 6.18 



$23 70 



It is noticeable that this estimate is somewhat in excess of the 

 theoretical values as laid down by Messrs. Houston and Kennelly, 

 and may be improved on as experience is gained. 



I was informed that the first run of carbide manufactured at 

 Niagara Falls early in May gave about 25% better results than their 

 estimate, and that they hoped to improve still more as they gained 

 experience and the men got used to their work. 



Mr. Willson commenced to erect a factory at Merritton in April 

 on the old Welland Canal, where he has secured 1,500 horse power 

 at Locks 8, y and 10, and expects to turn out carbide at the rate of 

 7^ tons daily at the lowest possible cost. He has also secured a 

 very large amount of power in the Province of Quebec, where he 

 intends to manufacture not only for Canada, but for export to foreign 

 countries. 



It is quite evident from the report of the " Progressive Age " 

 Commissioners, and from the experience of the Niagara Falls Com- 

 pany, that calcium carbide can be made and sold ajt a price to com- 

 pete with ordinary gas and electric light. 



It takes to produce 100 pounds Ca C2, as shown theoretically, 

 87^ pounds lime and s6}( pounds of carbon, of the latter 375^ 

 pounds combine with the calcium and 18^ pounds combine with 

 the 25 pounds of oxygen of the lime and escapes from the furnace 

 as carbon monoxide, in accordance with the following formulas ; 



