STATE GEOLOGIST. 113- 



report about 4,500 barrels of salt, and are making 600 to f-00 

 barrels per month. The salt is put np in extra quality of white- 

 oak barrels, costing 28 cents each. Fuel, of hard and soft 

 wood mixed, costs, delivered at the works, about $1 38 per 

 cord. 



The quality of the salt produced is unsurpassed, either in 

 chemical purity or preservative qualities. Several of the most 

 extensive fishermen upon the lake shore having given it a thor- 

 ough trial, pronounce it "more economical, (in quantity re- 

 quired,) safer and better than the Onondaga fine salt." It is 

 equally commended by butchers. For butter it has been tested 

 both in our own State and in Orange county,. N. Y., and pro- 

 nounced not at all inferior to the famous Ashton salt. 



This company have sunk another well during the past sum- 

 mer, under the same roof, to the depth of 806 feet. Though the 

 tubing has not been inserted, the indications are that a larger 

 supply of strong brine has been obtained. The only brine 

 drawn up stands at 90°. 



Nuinerous other enterprises have been started along the Sag- 

 inaw river, of which one is at Saginaw City, one at Carrolton, 

 one at Portsmouth, and one at Bay City. According to infor- 

 mation received from Wm. Walker, the strength of the brine at 

 various depths, in the Bay City well, was as fullows: At 223 

 feet, 5°; at 229 ft., 8°; at 235 ft, 12°; at 245 ft., 14°; at 256 

 ft., 16°; at 210 ft., 18°; at 213 ft., 19°; at 434 ft., 20°; at 438 

 ft., 42°; at. 444 ft., 60°; at 450 ft,, 10°; at 480 ft., 18°; at 481. 

 ft., 85°; at 490 ft., 90°. From this point to the depth of 513 

 feet, it varies between 88° and 92°. 



At the date of the printing of this report, the following par- 

 ties have either completed salt borings or have them in progress > 

 For the statements of outlay to Jan. 1st, 1861, and estimates to 

 June 1st, I rely upon an editorial article in the Detroit Tribune:: 



