1848.] 



Notices, 



facture of German silver ware. The quality of the samples obtained, 

 was stated by the Dr. to be very good. 



Tin, although not yet found in any extensive strata, is believed most 

 confidently to exist along the southern mountain range of Ceylon, 

 but to explore the favourable localities would be a work involving 

 considerable outlay and labour. The commercial value of the metal 

 is too well known to require comment ; that from Banka realizes from 

 £80 to £50 per ton, in the European markets. 



Chrome ore is found abundantly and of good quality as a Chro- 

 mite of Iron, at Haterabage and Balangodde. 



Iron Ore. Some excellent specimens of the Peroxide of Iron were 

 exhibited : these are the most useful and valuable ores of the coun- 

 try, and is no where richer than in Saffragam. An analysis had given 

 the following result : — 



Peroxide of Iron - ... 8,200 



Peroxide of Manganese 900 



Molybdena 250 



Silica 550 



Alumina .... 100 



10,000 



These proportions will occasionally vary, but not so as to impair 

 the actual value of the Metal. It was the opinion of several practi- 

 cal persons that the metal obtained from this ore was not to be sur- 

 passed in the world, and equalled only by some of the finest Swedish 

 Iron. The very simplicity of the means by which the Singhalese 

 smelters obtain 50 or 60 per cent, of the pure metal from the rough 

 ore, and the ease with which it is worked into steel, bespeaks its 

 real value. It is believed that it could be laid down in Colombo at 

 Qs. or Is. per cwt. of the finest quality. Attempts had been made in 

 a small way to bring the ore down to a smelting establishment in 

 Colombo, but obstacles had arisen from the apathy and prejudice of 

 the native headmen, and nothing had been done. The Iron-glance, 

 Magnetic Iron Ore, and Bog Iron Ore, were not of any real value. 

 The latter is most abundant however. 



Kaolin. — This substance appears to have been hitherto applied to 

 no practical purpose save those of white-washing walls and forming 

 water goblets of the roughest description. Some earth had been sent 

 home and pottery made from it, which was produced. There can 

 be little doubt from these specimens, that good use might be made 

 of the earth in the island for tiles for houses and similar purposes. 



