116 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



is used, caused manufacturers to experiment with the gypsum 

 of New York and other states with a view to utilizing it for this 

 purpose. It was found that in all places where absolutely white 

 finish is not required the New York gypsum was fully equal to 

 the imported in strength and setting qualities. As a consequence, 

 mills were erected, and the manufacture of plaster of paris and 

 wall plaster from New York gypsum was begun on a large scale. 

 The erection of buildings for the World's Fair at Chicago and other 

 expositions which have taken place in the last 10 years has prob- 

 ably had a greater effect on the gypsum industry than any other 

 development. The thousands of tons used in the manufacture of 

 '*' staff '' would of themselves make quite a difference in the 

 industry, but the greater effect probably came indirectly through 

 the thousands of people who for the first time realized the strength 

 and durability of this building material. 



The sources from which the w^orld's supply of gypsum is ob- 

 tained are to be found in nearly every p'ortion of the globe. The 

 most imiportant deposits in foreign countries are those at Mont- 

 martre, near Paris, and those of Nova Scotia. It is also found 

 in various parts of Germany, in Norway, Austria, Bohemia, 

 Italy, Egypt, Arabia, India 'and Persia. In the western 

 hemisphere it occurs in nearly every great division. Fine 

 deposits occur in Chili and other South American republics, 

 while in the north it is to be found in the provinces of Ontario, 

 Quebec, New BrunsAvick and Nova Scotia. Its occurrence 

 in the United States is widespread, and there is scarcely a state 

 in which it may not be found. From a commercial point of view 

 the entire supply comes from the following states and territories. 

 New York, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas, Okla- 

 homa, Wyoming, Colorado, California, Indian Territory, Arizona, 

 Montana, Oregon, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and Virginia. 



With the increased demand for this material, deposits which 

 were formerly considered inferior have been opened up, new de- 

 posits have been discovered, and the product of this country finds 

 a ready sale in competition with the best Nova Scotia gypsum. 



