180 Dr. Heifer's Fourth Report [No. 98. 



Iron. — All parts of Tenasserim are rich in iron. The localities 

 and species of iron found on the main land, I have described in 

 my former reports, and have only to add, that iron occurs 

 equally upon the islands of the Mergui archipelago. 



There have been found by me this year, four great deposits 

 or beds of iron ; the first about three hours from Mergui, at 

 Maoin, and probably a continuation of it near Pereghiun ; the 

 second not far from the entrance of the Lennya river, at an is- 

 land called Kala-khiung by the Burmese ; the third (the richest) 

 on two islands (no name) to the west of Sir John Malcolnr's 

 island ; the fourth on White Pigeon* s Island, to the north of the 

 Packchan embouchure. The ores if smelted, would furnish 

 from 40 to 60 per cent of raw iron. The iron of Tavoy re- 

 mains however the best with reference to per centage (74 to 80 

 or more) quality; and the preference should therefore be 

 recommended to those who may be inclined to establish iron 

 foundries. 



It is to be hoped that such a valuable article, to be had under 

 circumstances where fuel is but a matter of trifling considera- 

 tion, will attract the attention of enterprising Europeans with 

 capital. 



To the mineral articles of the provinces must be added copper, 

 discovered this year in two localities. The first in the NE. 

 part of the great Lampi or Sullivan* s Island, found in veins of 

 quartz, running through transition clay slate, the second in the 

 island of Calla-gkiauk, near Mergui, in a quarry running through 

 gneiss. 



Both have been obtained, but in small quantities ; the prose- 

 cution of researches carried on by mining was not intended, but 

 the bare indication of the occurrence of copper will be found 

 sufficient to those who are desirous of turning their attention to 

 this valuable mineral. 



Before the invention of the steam engine, and before this 

 invention was brought into universal application as a substitute 

 for human labour for achieving works previously unknown, or 

 thought impracticable, coal was nothing but a cheaper fuel than 

 wood, and only of advantage to countries destitute of forests. 

 In those abounding with timber, coal was useless. 



