88 



same place, commonly called Schistose Potstone. The 

 different kind of Potstones vary much in colour. 



I have figured this substance rather as a mineral than as 

 a specimen of such as is turned in the lathe, although it 

 would answer the purpose pretty well in a certain pro- 

 portion. Its stellated formation is rather rare • I have not, 

 however, represented that variety : but, from what has been 

 said, it may be readily understood that there may be nu- 

 merous varieties ; and those of the most equal texture 

 throughout are to be preferred. They are generally some- 

 what porous, and sometimes do not hold water better than 

 the vases, &c, made in Derbyshire and ether Fluor countries. 



The inhabitants of New Caledonia occasionally use a 

 sort of Potstone Steatite to assist them in the place of food 

 when it is scarce. 



I wonder that there are no such Potstone manufactories 

 in Great Britain as those in Saxony; for I think there is 

 but little doubt of procuring the Stone as likely to answer 

 this purpose as the foreign sort. Perhaps, however, there 

 would not be a sale for them. 



