18 Building Materials. 



silicate of soda will complete the formation of the double 

 silicate of lime. Experiments are now being tried to test the 

 value of this plan for indurating masonry, the result of which 

 will be hereafter communicated. 



LIME. 



Limestone yielding lime for building purposes is found in 

 many parts of the colony, but is not generally abundant. 

 .Latterly several new discoveries of limestone have been made 

 near inland townships, and much benefit will be derived there- 

 from, though none of the limestones at present discovered are 

 thoroughly hydraulic. The principal kilns for supplying lime 

 to Melbourne are at Geeloug, and near the Port Phillip Heads. 

 The lime from the latter place is principally formed of 

 decomposed shells ; these yield a mild description of lime, 

 which is well fitted for plastering. The Geelong roche lime is 

 usually considered the best for general purposes. Other kilns 

 have recently been opened at Mount Franklyn, on the Castle- 

 maine Road, about 55 miles, and at Pyreeth Creek, 40 miles 

 from Melbourne. 



Many samples of newly discovered limestones have lately 

 been forwarded to the Museum of Building Materials at Mel- 

 bourne, where they are now in the course of being tested. 



Gypsum is found in many parts of the colony, especially on 

 some portions up the River Murray, but it has not been dis- 

 covered in sufficient quantities to pay for its manufacture into 

 plaster. 



No cement stones have yet been brought to light. 



BRICKS. 

 The most striking illustration of the progress of this colony 

 in the industrious arts, is manifested in the great improvements 

 which have been made in the manufacture of this most indis- 

 pensable article for promoting the comfort of mankind. Six or 

 seven years ago bricks were sold at from i?12 to i?20 per 1000. 

 At the present time numerous instances could be referred to 

 where these very bricks have actually washed away ; and, as a 

 general remark applicable to those golden times, it may be 

 stated, that the dearer building materials became the worse was 

 their quality, and the more flimsy and unstable the work- 

 manship bestowed upon them. This is an unpleasant fact, 

 which many who have spent large fortunes upon what is now 

 regarded as inferior and worn-out property would be able to 

 verify. 



