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I Assembly 
It also appears when we attempt to break it, exhibiting a toughness 
which approaches to that of hornblende. 
This property is evidently one of importance; it is more useful for 
mantel pieces, or in any work where pressure is concerned, less danger 
in transporting to market, and less risk both to the seller and buyer. 
It will be found more durable than many of the white marbles, as it is 
never arenaceous or jHilverulent. 
PeaL 
From the abundance of peat in this State, it appears that the climate 
and other circumstances are favorable to its production. It is not so hot 
as to cause a rapid decomposition of vegetable matter, nor so cold as 
to prevent those changes, somewhat allied to fermentation, which are 
required for its formation. 
Mr. Mather, in his report for last year, gave extensive details of the 
quantity and value of this substance in the southern counties. It 
appears from the above report, that the quantity is quite sufficient 
for its demands at present: when we take, however, into consideration 
its great value to the agricultural, manufacturing and commercial inter- 
ests, and the probability that the demands for it will greatly increase as 
its worth becomes more extensively known, there is no reason to fear 
that the supplies wdll be greater than the demand. 
I remarked in my report for last year, that little or no peat had been 
discovered in the counties of St. Lawrence and Essex. I feared, therefore, 
that this valuable substance w^ould not be added to the list of the useful 
productions of the northern section of the State. Contrary to expec- 
tations, I have discovered it in many localities, and find it in great 
abundance in the counties of Clinton, Warren and Hamilton; and I 
may state in general, that most of the fly's in those counties abound in 
this substance. 
It will not be necessary nor useful to give a particular account of all 
the localities of peat which have fallen under my observation during the 
past season. The only places where it can occur are those of a marshy 
character, and the substance itself may be tested by any person, by first 
drying and then igniting it; if it burns, it is peat. As its presence 
may be suspected in all low, wet places, especially those bordering on 
ponds and lakes, it will be well to search for it in all such places, by 
thrusting down a pole or stick and trying the matter that adheres to it, 
as it regards its combustibility; or it may generally be found wherever 
