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The greater portion of the vein is quite firm and requires a smart 
blow of the hammer to break it. At the place where it has been quar- 
ried, it presents a black dull appearance ; it has all the characters of 
rich ore. 
SECTION XXIV. 
Extent of the Vein, 
The width of the vein is about 70 feet. It has been traced in the 
direction of its length, 5,742 feet. It preserves a great uniformity of 
breadth throughout this distance, and it is far more continuous, and 
passes less frequently beneath the rock. 
SECTION XXV. 
Purity of the Ore. 
Generally, at the surface, this vein appears more intermixed with 
rock than either of the others. I have, however, often found, that this 
is owing, in part, to weathering, as a large proportion of the particles 
in mass, though earthy in their appearance, still were obedient to the 
magnet. Disseminated very sparingly in the ore at some points, are 
minute particles of sulphuret of iron. My attention was first directed 
to this mineral by observing a brown stain, and instances of a thick 
brown rust over the face of the vein, where it was exposed to the 
weather. It was beneath the rust, that I detected this mineral. It is 
not however uniformly present, and when it is, it is quite doubtful, 
whether it is in sufficient quantity to affect the quality of the iron. 
Judging from experience, I am disposed to consider this ore as better 
adapted to the furnace than the other veins. The presence of sulphu- 
ret of iron, in part improves the appearance of the castings, renders 
them smoother, and in fact increases the fusibility of the ore. 
SECTION XXVI. 
Situation of the Vein. 
This vein is about 80 rods east of the site of the works, on a steep 
ridge which overlooks the entire clearing in which the village is situat- 
ed. It extends in a northwest direction, more than half a mile from 
the works. It possesses all the advantages of the Sandford vein for 
quarrying. In fact, an inclined plane from the main vein might be so 
constructed^ as to carry the ore directly into a furnace. It is, therefore, 
as favorably located as can be desired, so far as mining operations are 
concerned, or the transportation of ore to the works. 
