USES OF GYPSUM 83 



and other root crops. It is said to be particularly valuable 

 as a top dressing for clover and timothy. 



(2) As a deodorizer, and on compost heaps as an absorb- 

 ent of the ammonia and in cities and towns to allay the 

 pungent odors of stables, privies and drains. 



(3) As the basis or foundation of the adamant or hard 

 plaster for walls, stucco, reliefs etc. (for method of calcining 

 and boiling see article in Grand Rapids Democrat, Mich., 

 Nov. 6, 1892). Three companies, the Eureka, the Paragon 

 and the Adamant companies of Syracuse are at present 

 engaged in the manufacture of this hard wall plaster. 



As is well known, CaSo4+2H 2 when subjected to heat 

 or "boiling" in kettles will lose its water of crystalization if 

 heated to a certain point. The product when ground and 

 mixed with water sets to a hard, firm mass. Various in- 

 gredients are used according to the patent, the processes be- 

 ing recent ones, but it is known that among the hardeners 

 of gypsum are lime-water, gum-arabic, alum, borax and 

 cream of tartar. Whether any of these are used could not 

 be ascertained. The advantages claimed for this wall plas- 

 ter is that it is hard, durable, fire proof, sets quickly and does 

 not need covering with wall paper. A disagreeable feature 

 is that it is a good conductor of sound, and makes slight 

 noises audible, arising probably from the solid and homo- 

 geneous nature of the wall. 



The Adamant Manufacturing Co. is the largest of the 

 three concerns and has a capital stock of $150,000. The 

 patent and invention were the work of Prof. Carl Straub of 

 Syracuse. The advantages claimed for this stone by the 

 company are: that it is "cleanly and easy to work, takes a 

 beautiful polish, can be applied winter as well as summer, 

 frost not affecting it. It prevents swelling or cracking and 

 never falls off; it adheres equally well to lath, brick, stone, 

 or iron, and will not cleave off even in case of breakage of 

 water pipes or heavy leakage; its resonant properties render 

 it desirable for churches, halls, opera houses, etc.; it is im- 



