i899-i9° -] 541 



conductor gave a description of the clay at the works, from 

 which we learn that this very fine, pure white clay occurs in 

 large quantities on both banks of the Bann for several miles 

 along its course, and for a considerable distance inland over the 

 flat country around Toome. The thickness of the deposit 

 varies from two to six feet thick. The clay is a pure silicate of 

 alumina, the average analysis being as follows : — 



Silica ... ... ... 72 per cent. 



Alumina ... ... ... 9 ,, „ 



Iron oxide ... ... ... 5 „ „ 



Lime ... ... ... 1 „ ,, 



Water and organic matter... ... 13 ,, ,, 



Its specific gravity is about 0*5422, so that when dry it will 

 float on water like peat. It is a non-conductor of heat and 

 sound, and may be made into bricks which will float in water. 

 It is used in the manufacture of dynamite and polishing 

 preparations, and for a variety of purposes on board ship and 

 public structures, where its extreme lightness, fireproof, 

 deafening, and non-conducting properties renders it so valuable. 

 It is prepared by Messrs. Grant in various conditions, but 

 chiefly in bags of pure white powder of the very finest texture. 

 Although so very highly silicious, it is of a vegetable and not 

 of a mineral origin ; it is in fact made up of the silicious cases 

 of extremely minute single-celled plants, such as are at present 

 lying in and around the Bann. The plant organisms are 

 known as diatoms, the most abundant, indestructible, varied, 

 and beautiful forms known in the organic world. A cubic inch 

 of the earth would probably contain 70 million separate 

 organisms. 



The Club party congratulated Messrs. Grant upon the result 

 of their labour, and very heartily wished them all the ultimate 

 success their manifest skill and enterprise so clearly merits. 



A number of well-appointed boats were now provided, and, 

 after a most enjoyable row of an hour on the brilliant water of 

 the Bann, all were safely landed on Church Island, where the 

 church, holy well, bullaun, and many other attractions of the 



