PRODUCTIONS OF THE HIMALAYA. 



251 



posed, I think, no charge that would not, in a very short time, more than 

 repay the expence incurred. With regard to the iron mines, I shall also 

 mention a few particulars ; which, if attended to, would materially increase 

 the revenue derivable from them also. I am informed by the Commissioner 

 that the united rent of these mines, which are very numerous, does not 

 exceed the sum of 1500 Rupees per annum ; while the iron is of the very 

 worst quality, and yet bears a price, in the Almora* Bazar, not much less 

 than that of the best English iron, deliverable at Bareilly. 



The process of manufacturing iron from its ores, is so far different 

 from that of copper ; in as much as, none but the oxides of the former me- 

 tal are ever employed. In the copper ores (that is, in those which occur 

 in any quantity;) the metal is combined with sulphur : which can be only 

 driven off by repeated roastings ; employing such a draught of air as to 

 acidify it, the more effectually to separate it, in the latter stages. In the iron 

 ores; the metal is united to oxygen; and mixed with various earthy impu- 

 rities. In reducing these ores then, there are three distinct points to be 

 attended to — First, the provision of a substance, which shall effectually 

 take the oxygen from the ore ; leaving the metal mixed, only with its 

 earthy constituents : 2ndly, The proportioning the fllux used, to those 

 earthy ingredients; so as to ensure a complete vitrification of them, and 

 separation from, the metallic particles: and 3dly, A sufficient heat, to 

 fuse the latter ; that the separation, and reduction, may be more complete. 

 The first point is attained, by using a sufficient quantity of charcoal, in 

 the reduction of the ores ; the second, by adding, as the ore may require 

 it, limestone or other flux ; and the third point is only to be effected, by 



using 



* Almoral), 8 seers, 1 Rupee— Gwalior iron, good, soft, 6 seers — at Moradabad, liill iron ditto 

 but hard, good foryoj^ras — Swedish steel, 2 seers— Enghsh cast, 2l_EngIisli iron, bar, 4.— in flat 

 bars, 4|. 



