ESSEX COUNTY. 
253 
width of more than seven hundred feet. By measurement on a line running nearly north and 
south, or in the direction of its strike, it is found to extend 3,168 feet. The evidence of its 
vast extent rests on the same data as tliose which w’^ere obtained of the Sanford vein, viz. 
excavations at numerous points. We did not proceed in a manner so systematic, as in the 
case just referred to; and in the several examinations made, we found the ore passing more 
frequently beneath the common rock of the country. To a superficial observer, this great 
vein might be considered as many large disconnected beds, or beds separated by intervening 
rock ; but in this instance, as in the Sanford hill, we found the ore passing beneath rocks, 
and not terminating against them; giving thereby strong indications, at least, that the appa¬ 
rently 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 thirty-six 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 McIntyre, equally favorable, and in confirmation 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 w'hen it is known that either 
will furnish materials for the manufacture of iron for centuries to come. 
Experience has established the fact in relation to the magnetic oxide, that different veins 
produce iron of different qualities, even when the processes pursued are similar. Another 
fact, also, is equally proved, that ore from which the stony matter has been separated, pro¬ 
duces 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 remarkable 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 perhaps be accounted for, by supposing the formation of an alloy of iron and sili 
cium. Whether the explanation is correct or not, the fact is important and interesting, and 
worthy of being preserved. 
Leaving considerations of this kind, I have only to remark, that probably no ore in this 
country has produced iron of a better quality than the vein now under consideration, or per¬ 
haps it would be better to say, is capable of producing better iron. Without entering at all 
on the statement of facts in proof of this assertion, I shall refer the reader at once to Professor 
Johnson’s report, where he will find a statement of the experiments which were instituted for 
the trial of this iron. When it is considered that this iron was not manufactured by the most 
* This result may be accounted for, on the supposition that a higher temperature is required for reduction under those circum¬ 
stances. 
