232 



ON THE MINES AND MINERAL 



that a sufficient quantity of even the quality yet found, would not be with- 

 out its value. It is well known to be the very best anti-attrition ap- 

 plication for metallic surfaces, when mixed with tallow, or other greasy 

 substances. A mixture of this kind is useful, too, as a preservative from 

 rust for articles of cast iron, and it is equally found to improve their ap- 

 pearance. 



<^ 6. — Gypsum. 



Of the more bulky articles, Gypsum, of the discovery and geological 

 relations of which an account is given in another part of this volume, is 

 doubtless the most valuable. Its pure white color and granular composi- 

 tion, fit it for works of ornament. It is, however, probable, that its chief j 

 use in this country, for some time, would be as convertible into Plaster 

 of Paris, and affording a material for cornices and ornamental work, to 

 the banishment of the very rude productions of this kind we have 

 hitherto put up with. There is, perhaps, sufficient quantity of it to an- 

 swer any demand, likely immediately to arise. When the Government 

 House was last repaired, it was considered desirable to obtain a sufficien- 

 cy for the purpose above indicated ; but the fact of its occurrence within 

 our mountain provinces was not known at that time. As it is within fifty 

 or sixty miles of water-carriage, it might be expected to pay for its 

 transport. mo-fl- Vv:ins^ eld.f3i'Etbt 'ti^y ,?? vm'ur^rni\fx:. 

 .Sj 7. — Limestone. 



tf 



Marble is the rock next in value. Although it is not found of 

 very brilliant colours, yet it is not deficient in beauty, and might, I 

 think, be found to defray the expences of working. It is indubitably 

 superior to the very coarse marbles of the western provinces. A white 

 dolomite, of a fine grain, approaching to compact, is found in many 

 places. A variety, exactly answering to the description of the lona 

 ^mii marble, 



