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ed as many large disconnected beds, or beds separated by intervening 
rock ; but in this instance as in the Sandford hill, we found the ore pass- 
ing beneath rocks and not terminating against them, giving thereby 
strong indications at least, that the apparently insulated masses of ore, 
are merely parts of a great vein, connected together beneath the layers 
of rock. Whether this view of the subject is true or false, each of the 
masses of ore which have been exposed, will furnish any amount which 
can possibly be desired. The width of that portion of the vein which 
furnishes ore at the present time for the forge, and has been exposed 
by the removal of soil, is 36 feet, presenting a solid wall of pure ore, 
unmixed with rock. This is only a single instance among five or six 
others directly in the village of Mclntyre, equally favorable and in con- 
firmation of the opinion so often expressed, that all the large masses of 
ore are merely portions of one vast vein. It is, however, a matter of 
small consequence whether this view is correct or not, so long as such 
an abundance of ore can be obtained at either of the exposed places, 
and especially when it is known that either will furnish materials for 
the manufacture of iron for centuries to come. 
SECTION XXII. 
Quality of the Iron produced from the Coarse Black Ore, 
Experience has established the fact in relation to the magnetic ox- 
ide, that different veins produce iron of different qualities, even when 
the processes pursued are similar. Another fact also, is equally prov- 
ed, that ore from which the stony matter has been separated, produces 
iron possessed of different properties,* from that which has been made 
from the unwashed or unseparated ore. An instance of the latter kind, 
is furnished in the iron formerly made from this ore. When first used, 
it was wrought without separation. The iron then made, was remark- 
able for its hardness and toughness or tenacity, it in fact produced 
steel of the best quality, and the bars which were at that period made 
and left in rather a damp place, preserved their smooth appearance, 
without presenting any disposition to rust or oxidate. This may per- 
haps be accounted for by supposing the formation of an alloy of iron 
and silicum. Whether the explanation is correct or not, the fact is 
important and interesting, and worthy of being preserved. 
* This result may be accounted for on the supposition, that a higher temperature is 
required for reduction under those circumstances. 
