484 MINmG INDFSTET. 



operation charcoal was used at the rate of 130 to 150 bushels per ton of iron 

 produced. The supplies of wood in the neighboring foot-hills of the range 

 are abundant. Charcoal costs, at the furnace, 16 cents per bushel; and the 

 cost of producing metal, during the experimental work referred to, is stated 

 at $45 per ton. The furnace has since been idle, the principal alleged reason 

 being that the quantity of old iron in the country, consisting of useless 

 machinery brought in early days from the East, is still so great as to supply 

 the demand at a less price than the cost of manufacturing. The quality of this 

 coal is superior to that of most lignites, and is pronounced by good judges quite 

 equal, for ordinary purposes, to that of many of the Pennsylvania coals. For 

 domestic use, steam generation, and other common uses of fuel it is excellent. 

 Its adaptability to smelting has not yet been thoroughly tried. For use in a 

 blast-furnace it probably has not sufficient strength to sustain a charge ; and, 

 so far as the writer is informed, it will not coke. By adopting furnaces con- 

 structed especially with a view to the employment of this fuel, it may be 

 utilized for the smelting of gold, silver, lead, and copper ores, but this has not 

 yet been attempted on any large scale. 



The chief developments on these coal beds have been made at Marshall's 

 mine, 17 miles north of Grolden City; at Murphy's mine, 5 miles north of the 

 same point, and several other localities along this section of the foot-hills. The 

 extent of work performed has been limited by the demand, which thus far 

 has been but little more than to supply Denver, Golden City, and other 

 places in the immediate neighborhood with fuel for domestic purposes. This 

 demand will doubtless greatly increase as soon as railway transportation 

 is furnished between this district and larger markets. At Marshall's 

 mine, when visited by the writer in 1868, there were but few men 

 employed. The mine was opened by two tunnels, one about 200 feet, the 

 other 450 feet in length, from which a number of diverging galleries and 

 working chambers were opened, so that whenever necessary a large force of 

 men could be employed in taking out coal. The coal seam is about 11 or 12 

 feet thick ; it presents a beautifully clear surface, being mixed with very little 

 shale or slate. The seam lies almost flat, dipping only about five degrees, 

 and admirably situated for extensive and economical working. It is said that 

 20 men can break 100 tons of coal per day and deliver it at the mouth of the 



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