No. 275.J 221 
In this manner the vein has been explored 10 or 15 rods in length, to 
the depth of twelve feet, in some places. By this mode of procedure 
the opening downwards has become wedge form, so that it is now dif- 
ficult to pursue it muchxfarther in that direction. The best part of the 
lead of this mine is manufactured into pencil points on the spot. 
The graphite of Cedar-Point, in East Moriah, has not been explored 
very extensively, its character was destroyed soon after the mine was 
opened, in consequence of mixing the oxide of iron with it, to facili- 
tate its passage through the mill in grinding, a mixture which entirely 
destroys its value for any purpose to which it is ever employed, even 
for the blacking of stoves. 
The locality in Johnsburgh is on the farm of Mr. Noble. The mine 
is only partially opened, and less than a ton has been raised. It is, 
however, of a good quality; it occurs in irregular shaped masses of va- 
rious sizes, and weighing from one to twenty-five pounds. It is asso- 
ciated in a vein of quartz. It occurs in stellate masses similar to that 
at Ticonderoga. In the vicinity I found perfect hexahedral tables of 
graphite, which exhibit lines on their broader planes crossing each other 
at oblique angles, indicating by their direction the system of crystal- 
lization to which they belong. 
This mineral has occurred in independent masses in the rock and even 
in the soil. A locality of this kind was discovered in Athol, which 
contained several tons, the whole of which has been sent to market. 
Those deposits appear disconnected with a regular vein, and hence they 
ought always to be carefully examined by persons intending to purchase 
them for the profit of mining. 
Prepar^ation of the Marly and Tertiary Clays. 
In agriculture, as in all other kinds of business, many things fall into 
discredit in consequence of misunderstanding the principle on which 
their use depends. For instance, the use of plaster on most soils is de- 
cidedly beneficial, but there is such a thing as an excessive use of it, and 
of persevering in its use too long, when its specific effects are imper- 
ceptible, and it becomes of no value whatever. 
The due preparation of soil is always an essential matter for the pro- 
duction of a good crop, or to produce a favorable result either in an ex- 
perimental trial of any new variety of grain, or new mode of culture 
of those ordinarily raised. It is a matter of common observation, that 
one farmer succeeds well in his crops, while another does not, though 
