j STATE GEOLOGIST. 161 



The Woodville mine was first opened in 1851. It proved, on 

 working, to be located within a small basin about 500 feet in 

 diameter, the rise of the coal to the outer edge being about 

 eleven feet. Within this basin the coal is intersected by nu- 

 merous faults, which cause a deterioration of its quality for 

 several feet on each side. On extending the working of the 

 mine, however, beyond the rim of the basin, the seam of coal is 

 found to have greater regularity, compactness and purity. In 

 eonsequence of the peculiar locality of the mine, the company 

 have been obliged to deliver a grade of coal somewhat impure, 

 but the present workings are bringing out an article of improved 

 quality. 



The coal of this mine is used with success both for domestic 

 and steam purposes. It ignites freely in an open grate, emits 

 a cheerful flame, and produces as much heat as any other bitu- 

 minous coal. It is used for heating the Insane Asylum at Kal- 

 amazoo. It is also declared to be a superior article for gener- 

 ating steam. The screenings and refuse are used for engine 

 fuel at the mine, and are taken by blacksmiths for their use to 

 the distance of twenty miles north and south of the railroad. 



This coal makes a good coke for locomotives, malt houses, &c, 

 but for want of facilities for making it in large quantities, the 1 

 coke has not yet been tested . in furnaces for the manufac- 

 ture of iron. There can be no doubt that for gas purposes this 

 coal would be found similar to the Stevens' Ridge coal. 



I am under obligations to John Holcroftj Esq., for particular 

 information respecting this locality. 



Mr. Alexander McArthur has taken large quantities of sur- 

 face coal from an outcrop near Corunna. This coal has long 

 been in request for blacksmithing purposes. Recently Messrs. 

 Frazer and Stanton have sunk a shaft at a point where the coal 

 lies several feet from the surface, and below the thinned pro- 

 longation of the Woodville sandstone. Accounts state that 

 they are now daily sending several tons to the Detroit market. 



The gas producing properties of the Corunna coal were also 



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