So. 200.] 
205 
permanent use, is that of a course powder, or in the form Or state of 
sand, in which there would be enough in a fine state for immediate ef- 
fect, while the coarse particles would gradually pass into the state of 
dust, and thus supply vegetation with a never failing quantity of this 
element. 
Among the valuable rocks of this county which may be employed in 
ornamental work, is serpentine. As it is but little used and known to 
the proprietors of land, it will be proper to describe it briefly. It is 
usually green, yellowish green, and sometimes reddish brown. Colours 
pale, and varying in intensity; the darker lying in a pale ground, im- 
parts to the polished pieces an agreeable clouded appearance. Hard- 
ness, about the same as limestone; texture, always compact and close. 
In its pure state, or when unmixed with limestone, it does not effervesce 
with acids. It occurs in insulated beds in gneiss, mica and talcose 
slates. It is itself unstratified, which increases the labor and expense of 
raising it. Polishes easily and beautifully, which it retains as perfectly 
as marble, though the pale colours are liable, it is said, to fade. When 
made into mantle-pieces, it stands the fire better than the limestones, as 
it does not, like them, burn out, neither is it apt to crack by heating; 
besides, it grows harder by exposure to heat and air. 
The largest and most valuable deposits are found in Gouverneur, 
Fowler, and Edwards. Generally, it is difficult to obtain large slabs of 
serpentine, on account of the checks and fractures pervading it; but at 
many of the localities in St. Lawrence the soundness of the rock is re- 
markable. 
The only impediment to the introduction of this article for ornamen- 
tal and useful purposes, is the expense of transportation. 
It is to be considered as a treasure in prospect, as there can be no 
doubt it will be, as facilities for transportation are multiplied, and the 
artificial wants of community are increased. 
Verd Antique. 
At Pitcairn there in a fine locality of this beautiful marble. The 
colours are green and white, arranged in the usual forms of clouded 
marble. The serpentine has a bright green colour, and belongs to the 
variety usually called precious. The calcareous spar is white or gray- 
ish white, and forms a handsome ground for the translucent spepentine. 
