220 



JOURNAL. E.A.S. (CEYLON), 



[Vol. IX. 



forms the 4 prime lump' of commerce. The formation most common 

 in a pure state is that of laminated crystals, elongated at right 

 angles with the side of the vein, if not more than from four to six 

 inches wide ; but when the vein widens the crystallization often 

 radiates from numerous centres, and the whole formation is very 

 beautiful^ the foliated variety is equally valuable and more 

 brilliant, but rare in any quantity ; the acicular form of crystal is 

 not apt to be as pure in the lump, but it is useful for most purposes ; 

 the granulated variety, the purest of all, is of little use for 

 crucibles, but, with suitable manipulation, produces the finest 

 grades for electrotyping and fine lead pencils, and is unequalled 

 for lubricating. Pure plumbago is free from grit when pulver- 

 ized and rubbed between the fingers, and the polish produced in 

 the same way is instantaneous and very bright, being like a darker 

 shade of polished silver. It is found mixed with iron, rhombspar 

 and other forms of lime, the rock and earth in which the vein is 

 carried, and many other foreign substances injurious for all the 

 purposes for which pure plumbago is needed ; so that much care 

 is necessary in purchasing the raw material for a given purpose. 

 Lime, for instance, is fatal to plumbago for crucible-making. The 

 plumbago is mined in the interior of the island of Ceylon, and is 

 brought down to Colombo in bullock carts. It is there selected 

 into grades ; so much as may be finely broken up is sifted, and 

 the coarser part of this is called 4 chips,' while the finer part is 

 called 4 dust.' The 4 dust' from the prime lump is, of course, very 

 different in character from the dust left from the poorer grades of 

 lump, and all of it, whether lump or dust, after being bandied and 

 packed in barrels in Colombo becomes so black and bright by the 

 poor particles rubbing against the good, that the touch of an expert 

 is required to distinguish between the grades. The German black 

 lead is not refractory, and is therefore useless for any purpose that 

 brings it in contact with the fire. It has no value for the crucible- 

 maker, or for stove polish, and is of but little use as a lubricator. 

 It has a very low conducting power, even in its pure state, and the 

 best quality that comes to market is far from pure. None of it 

 comes in its original state as mined, but all of it is washed and 

 floated, and so the grades are produced. In fact, it resembles a 

 weak black clay more nearly than it does true plumbago in nature 

 as well as appearance. It is used often on account of its cheapness, 

 when it would be cheaper to use the real plumbago even at five 

 times the price." 



Mr. Cleveland then proceeds to state that the first [first in 

 order of time] and still the most extended use of plumbago 



