206 Observations on the Graphite of Kumaon. [No. 3. 



mixed with quartz or iron ore, there is no doubt, that it would sell 

 in the markets for at least £8 or ^£10 a ton, according to its purity, 

 and perhaps higher. As Trevandrum, near to which the Plumbago 

 is found, is in the vicinity of the sea and near a port like Cochin, 

 there would be very little expense in land-carriage, and therefore 

 freight would be the chief charge, but this might not be high, as 

 Plumbago is sometimes sent as ballast. 



With regard to 'the Graphite from near Kumaon, Messrs. "Wolff 

 state, like Mr. Brockenden, that they cannot use it in the state in 

 which it is sent, in consequence of the quartzy sand and iron ore 

 with which it seems to be intermixed. But from the internal 

 purity of some of the Graphite in nodules, as well as from the 

 appearance of the larger specimens, they conceive that pure speci- 

 mens of compact Graphite should be found in the same locality. 

 But of this, those examining the localities themselves must be better 

 judges than those looking at hand specimens. It is certain that no 

 specimens have yet been sent, sufficiently pure to be sawn in slices 

 or for grinding in the mills. The specimens last sent are valued at 

 not more than £5 a ton. 



Mr. Euel celebrated for making crucibles (v. Jury Report) con- 

 sidered that the specimens from Travancore were not worth more 

 than Ss. a cwt. for his purpose, though the price is sometimes as 

 high as \4<s. 



A good practical test, I am told, is that of chewing a small piece, 

 when, if not gritty, it will probably be found to be sufficiently pure 

 for grinding up. 



It is possible, however, that the enquiries now being made by 

 chemists may devise methods by which the impure specimens may 

 be made available for purposes not yet generally known. I have 

 been asked by one of our intelligent chemists to ascertain the quan- 

 tity in which the Travancore Graphite can be obtained, and the cost 

 per ton at which it can be delivered on board ship. It seems desir- 

 able therefore to forward a copy of this communication to Travan- 

 core as well as to Kumaon. 



