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between corresponding fixed bars, by which means the 
fibrous portion of the peat becomes separated, and the 
mudlike mass of fine peat and water thus obtained, being 
thrown into filtering tanks, the water passes away through 
the pores provided for its exit in the sides and bottom of the 
filter ; whence, after the lapse of a short time, the peat may 
be dug out in blocks of great density, and dried. A some- 
what extensive manufactory is now in course of erection in 
Ireland, with apparatus capable of turning out from 60 to 
80 tons per diem. 
Various processes for compressing peat have been 
patented by Mr. Hills, Messrs. Laming and Evans, Mr. 
Rotch, &c. &c. ; these are, however, for the most part only 
modifications of the processes above-mentioned. 
Amongst the varied applications of peat made by Mr. 
Cobbold, I may mention the following : — 
1. Manufacture of artificial Ebony from his compressed 
peat, (not Irish Bog Oak,) and of inkstands, vases, cups, 
snuff-boxes, chess-men, &c, turned out of this artificial 
Ebony. 
2. Peat fibre for stuffing sofa cushions, extracted in his 
patent process, partaking equally of the elasticity of horse 
hair, and the softness of fine flock wool. 
3. Various gradations of colours, paints, or pigments 
derived from refuse or residuary peat matters. 
4. Solid compact peat charcoal. 
The solidified peat manufactured by means of machinery, 
patented by Messrs. Gwynne and Son, Essex Wharf, Strand, 
London, (samples of which are on the table) is the best 
specimen of compressed peat fuel which has yet been 
brought out. This fuel is made up in cubes of the size of 
an ordinary brick, that shape having been found more con- 
venient for stowage than any other. It contains three 
