242 YORKSHIRE ALUM WORKS. 



natur», from a want of precaution, and of a knowledge of 



these circumstances. 



The stratum T^g stratum of aluminous scliistus is about ^20 miles in 



29 miles wide. ... i- ^ •, 



Direction E. & Width, extending trotn 10 miles to the southward of Whuby 



^" to 18 miles to the northward. The general direction of the 



stratum is from east to west, as may be interred from itsbeino- 



'J o 



found in the interior of Yorkshire and Lancashire. 

 The sea coast Those places immediately upon the coast aie, however, 

 fb°aImnworks. ^^^ ™*^^* eligible for the erection of alum works, as they pos- 

 sess advantages, which it is absolutely neces^sary the ma- 

 nufacturer should embrace. 1 he immense quantit of re- 

 fuse schistus and rubbish (as the covering strata of the alu- 

 minous schistus are caiied) to be removed, renders it requi- 

 site to erect the works in such situations as to be able to get 

 rid of these substances with the most expedition and the 

 least expense. The charges for draught work is materially 

 diminished, as the coals are brought by sea from the porta 

 of Sunderland or Shields, and delivered at the manufac- 

 tory: but in those works situate in the interior, they lie un- 

 der a considerable expenditure for carriage, from which the 

 other is exempt ; so that we need not be surprised at the 

 gradual reduction of the works in the interior from seven or 

 eight to only one remaining. 



Of the Strata reposing upon the Aluminous Schistus, 



Corering strata The strata, which are generally found covering the schis- 

 tus, are alluvial soil, sandsione, ironstone, shale, and clay. 



Pvlinerals of the same species, as are found in the super- 

 incumbent strata, may be collected with the greatest facility 

 upon the seashore with additional fossils cast ashore by the 

 waves, after having been brought down by the rivulets, or 

 fallen from the cliffs, and afterward washed by the action of 

 the tide *. 

 Stones con- The variety of agates, and fossil wood converted into 



taiaed in them agate, are numerous, and equally beautiful with those 

 theshore with brought from Germany, and admit of as high a polish. 



The cornelian, mocha, onyx, opal, and chalcedony, are 



* Any person, vrho naay be desirous of obtaining any of the mineral 

 productions of this neighbourhood, may be supplied on application to 

 me, by letter or otherwise. 



found 



