596 Fire clay. 



Extract from a Report of J. Homfray, Esq., to C. D. Russell, 

 Esq., in reply to a Circular from the Coal Committee, dated 26th 

 March, 1841, 



Returning down to where the first traces of sandstone are found 

 near to Serampore, we find on the south bank of the Damoodah, at a 

 distance of about two to three miles, a range of hills of igneous 

 origin, in reality of all compositions of granite, porphyry, and all the 

 subdivisions of granite. This range runs parallel with the Damoodah, 

 where in a line with the collieries, we find the first basaltic dykes 

 issuing therein, and the whole of them, which are very numerous, can 

 be traced to that source. Beneath these hills, in many places, a white 

 porcelain earth, in character the same as the kaolin of China, is found, 

 and from which I had some coarse pottery moulded in England ; but 

 it was pronounced to be unfit for fine ware. Between the river and a 

 place called Mulliary, it exists in quantity, and there is also much 

 found in other localities towards Bancoorah. Accompanying the coal 

 is also found very good fire clay, and from which fire bricks are con- 

 structed by Messrs. Jessop and Co. in Calcutta, which they occa- 

 sionally use in their iron smelting furnaces ; it requires much care in 

 the selection. 



From Mr. W. B. Turner, late Superintendent of the Rajah of Tra- 

 vancore's Foundery* to J. McClelland, Esq. Secretary to the 

 Coal Committee, $c. dated \0th October, 1839. 

 I beg leave to inform you, of a thing that may prove of the greatest 

 benefit to the work the Committee are about undertaking, that is, 

 that there is excellent clay, equal to the Stourbridge, for making fire- 

 bricks, crucibles, &c. to be had in Moulmein, near the military can- 

 tonment, not far from the European Grave yard. I made bricks, 

 crucibles, and retorts for Dr. Campbell, to analize different minerals 

 found by me, when Engineer of the Honorable Company's Steam boat 



* At present Engineer to the Ceylon Government Steamer " Seaforth." 



The specimens consist of a large jug, a sugar bowl, and ewer, of the most graceful shapes, 

 and ornamented to shew the facility with which the material may be moulded, as well as the 

 perfection to which Mr. Pyle has brought the manufacture. 



These articles are now in our possession, but we think they ought to be pres* 'ed either to 

 the Society of Arts at home, or some other institution capable of affordin ' gement 



to, and protecting the interest of, such inventions. , 



Perhaps in India the best, or indeed the only way, in which the latter object can be effected 

 is by an appeal to the Government. — Ed. 



