598 Clays and 



3. After a very partial inquiry, I find fire clays can be obtained 

 from four localities, two places in Bundlecund affording them, one 

 kind can be got at Delhi, and another from Gwalior. The specimen 

 marked No. 1, one of those mentioned as coming from Bundlecund, 

 was examined by the late Mr. J. Prinsep, who stated as the result of 

 the experiment tried upon it, that it was far more refractory in the 

 fire than the celebrated Stourbridge clay sent to this country from 

 England : the English clay was fused, while the other remained unal- 

 tered by its side. The fragment of a glass pot, No. 5, composed of 

 specimen No. 1, bears testimony to the goodness of the material 

 from which it was formed ; for although it has held glass in a state of 

 fusion, it does not itself appear in the least degree altered, neither has 

 the fused matter at all penetrated its pores : the glazing which may 

 be noticed on the outside has been caused by the silica uniting with 

 the alkaline ashes of the furnace. The other clay from Bundlecund, 

 marked No. 2, of which in combination with No. 1, Soda-water bot- 

 tles are manufactured, is much more fusible than the other clays 

 which have been examined ; this substance may be the result of de- 

 composed felspar, and I found the edges of a fragment of it exposed 

 to the blowpipe flame became translucent and rounded, behaving 

 very like felspar when similarly treated. I am of opinion, this clay 

 might be employed for the highest purpose of pottery, the No. 1 clay 

 has given the Stoneware specimens a dark tinge ; but I believe"]jf 

 another clay had been used, retaining its white appearance at a high 

 heat, this tinge would not have been produced. Specimens marked No. 

 6, are fragments of Soda-water bottles, and in order that an opinion 

 may be formed of the value of the composition of which these 

 are made, I beg to refer you to Specimen No. 7,- a fragment of an 

 English Stoneware bottle, and I think you will agree with me in 

 saying, that the India manufacture is not a looser by the comparison. 



4. The whole bottle is also of Indian origin. Of this ware, might 

 be made various articles for chemical as well as culinary purposes ; 

 viz. retorts, retort heads, receivers, funnels, mortars, evaporating dishes, 

 spirit lamps, jars of all descriptions and gallipots, jugs, teapots, 

 pickle jars, flower pots, &c. : and in many instances, where glass 

 bottles are at present used, I think a great saving would accrue 

 to Government, from the employment of those made of the country 



