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POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 
but in some parts of the district these are replaced by mica-slate, gneiss, and 
granite. The general resemblance of these strata to the gold-bearing rocks in 
other parts of the world has been occasionally noticed ; but it was not until 
March, 1860, that any discovery of gold was made in them. 
Gold was then accidentally found in Halifax county, about fifteen miles 
from the coast, in the bed of a small stream which empties into the Tangier 
river. This precious metal has since been discovered at Rawdon and Douglass, 
in Hants county ; Gold River, near Chester ; and at Lawrencetown, a few 
miles east of Halifax. The quantity of gold as yet obtained has been, as 
compared with the produce of Australia or California, small ; but the 
auriferous track appears to be very extensive. The Tangier gold, according 
to Mr. Marsh, gives — gold 98T3, with silver 176 grains ; while the Lunen- 
burg gold gives — gold 92'04, and silver 7'76. 
Natural Oxide of Antimony . — The island of Borneo has, for some years 
supplied Europe with nearly all the sulphide of antimony it consumes. In 
connection with this mineral (the stibine of mineralogists) there has been 
found another, which was for some time rejected as useless. Upon examina- 
tion, it has, however, been found to be a remarkably rich and pure oxide of 
antimony. Dr. Phipons has examined this mineral, and he identifies it with 
stibiconise, or the antimoniate of antimony. Whereas stibine seldom yields 
more than 45 per cent, of metallic antimony, the stibiconise gives above 65 
per cent, of metal. This ore promises to become of great value, and it is now 
used as a pigment, being simply calcined and powdered, as recommended by 
Dr. Stenhouse in the following process : — The oxide is first reduced to coarse 
powder, and it is roasted for four hours, at a low heat, with free access of 
air, in muffles. The calcined product is then reduced to an impalpable 
powder, by being ground in flint-mills. This, when dried and mixed with 
oil, constitutes the paint. This paint has a delicate stone colour, is equal in 
body to white lead ; it is devoid of anything hurtful to the workmen, either 
in its manufacture or use, and its price is considerably lower than that of 
white lead. One advantage of lead over every other mineral as a pigment 
must not be forgotten. Lead and its compounds enter into chemical union 
with oil, most other metals only mixing with it. This antimonial paint is 
said to be unaffected by sulphuretted hydrogen. 
Nickel Coins . — We have recently been substituting, with many obvious 
advantages, a light bronze coinage for a heavy copper one. The Belgian 
government have passed a law deciding the future composition of their half- 
penny, penny, and twopenny pieces. They are to be of copper, alloyed with 
20 per cent, of nickel. This produces a white metal, and the coins are small, 
light, do not tarnish, and are without smell. 
Steel Flowers . — The inventive powers of the ingenious are ever taxed to the 
utmost for the purpose of supplying the wants of capricious fashion. Of late, 
steel flowers, and other glistening ornaments, have been in vogue. Few of 
those who wear them suspect the source of the peculiar shining material 
which forms the surface. It is the common lead ore of our mines, the 
sulphuret of lead, or, in correct chemical nomenclature, the sulphide of lead. 
