13b NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



(really micro-crystalline) graphite is much higher. 1 Certain 

 deposits of this kind will assay 20 per cent of carbon, but the value 

 of such an ore is relatively low. In fact, successful graphite milling 

 is one of the few industries that has a very close relation to the 

 geology of the ore. Lack of knowledge of the geologic conditions 

 then has been a considerable factor in the many failures. 



" There is far more secrecy among graphite producers in regard 

 to the milling methods employed than in almost any other kind of 

 ore separation and (some) companies . . . refuse to admit 

 visitors to their mills. The extremely small probability of one com- 

 pany profiting by the experience of another and thereby injuring 

 its market through increased competition would seem to indicate 

 the uselessness of secrecy employed by many graphite companies. 

 On the contrary, there is little doubt but that the increased prosperity 

 of one company would have a beneficial effect on all the others in 

 the district, at least until the production increased far beyond its 

 present proportions, and the problems of concentration might be 

 more speedily solved under the plan of cooperation and mutual 

 assistance." 2 



1 Newland, D. H., N. Y. State Mus. Bui. 120, p. 30. 



2 Miller, B. L., Topo. and Geol. Surv. of Pa. Rep't 6, p. 82. 



