70 



JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XV, 



The following interesting analysis by Walker shows the 

 various uses to which plumbago is put : — 



Purposes for which used. 



Crucibles and refractory arti- 

 cles, as stoppers and nozzles 

 Stove polish ... 

 Lubricating graphite 

 Graphite greases 

 Foundry facings, &c. 

 Pencil leads ... 

 Graphite packing 

 Polish shot and powder 

 Electrotyping 

 Paint 



Miscellaneous : piano action, ) 

 photographers', gilders', f 

 and hatters' use, electrical f 

 supplies ) 



Sources of Supply/ 



Ceylon, American 

 Ceylon, American, German 

 American, Ceylon 

 American 



Ceylon, American, German 

 American and German 

 Ceylon, American 

 Ceylon, American 

 American, Ceylon 

 American' ... 



American, Ceylon 



Per 

 cent. 



35-00 

 32-00 

 10-00 

 6-00 

 8-00 

 3-00 

 3-00 

 2-00 

 0-25 

 0-05 



0-25 



100-00 



Considering the fact that nearly three-fourths of Ceylon 

 plumbago, whose average shipments may be safely put 

 down at 12,000 tons per annum, and which carries the palm 

 for superiority among all known varieties of graphite in the 

 world, is directly shipped to Great Britain, Germany, and the 

 United States, and principally used by the great factories at 

 Battersea and Jersey City ; and in view of the circumstance 

 that a large proportion so exported is contributed by the 

 Kurunegala District — we cannot but contemplate with the 

 deepest interest the important part which our chief mineral 

 product, or rather the only mineral product of any commer- 

 cial value, plays in the multitudinous manufactures of the 

 world. 



It would doubtless make the hairs of our semi-nude 

 toiling miner stand on end like " the quills of the fretful 



* Mr. Ph. Freudenberg notes : " Sources of supply ought to have 

 G-ermany and Austria added in every instance, and for pencil lead Russia 

 ought to be given." 



