Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. 
83 
pounds as representing the combustible matter of the peat, we have 
caloric equivalent closely corresponding to that of oak wood, and I 
am led by my results to expect an equal heating power from an. 
equal weight of peat burned, in comparison to coal. * * * This 
peat has mavelous power in producing gas. * * * It exceeds all 
common cannel coal. There are only two or three cannel coals known 
which afford so much illuminating material. Again, I took from 
the top of a bog, immediately under the grass, within two miles of 
this city, a bucket of peat, added to it an equal volume of water, 
then ground it in the water, destroying the fibre and breaking up 
the air cells, then put the whole into a box (without bottom) placed 
on grass, where it soon precipitated and dried in the air. When it 
was broken up, one portion was analyzed by Mr. E. T. Sweet, an 
assistant on the Geological Survey of Wisconsin, and another por¬ 
tion is before you for examination. 
Mr. Sweet, reports analysis — Hygroscopic water 13.77. Organic 
matter 62.21. Ash 24.02. Specific gravity 1.280. Calorific power 100 
pounds, equal to 88 pounds of perfectly dry oak wood. Its combustion 
is perfect. I would call special attention to the specific gravity as 
compared to that prepared by Mr. Williams. This sample was con¬ 
densed by precipitation to 80 pounds per cubic foot, while that com¬ 
pressed by machinery is but 72.3 pounds per cubic foot. This diff¬ 
erence is a pertinent fact, directly affecting the question of cost and 
value, as its density and combustibility for metallurgical purposes 
governs its use. 
The oak wood of this state, summer dried, weighs 3,500 pounds 
per cord. Prof. Lapham estimates oak wood at $8 per cord as 
cheaper than bituminous coal, as it is delivered at $5 per ton. 
Relativly, this sample before me would be worth $6.38 per ton. 
Prof. Newbury, in his report on the Geological Survey of Ohio, in 
a chapter on fuel, says, eminent railway men, estimating the con¬ 
sumption of wood by the roads in Ohio in 1861, at 1,000,000 cords, 
and its value at $8 per cord, as compared to bituminous coal at 6 
cents per bushel, or $1.68 per ton, owing to the sulpher and its 
destructive effect upon the fire-box and flues of the locomotive, be¬ 
stow a high commendation on peat (condensed as the sample before 
me is) for railway fuel. 
The relative value of condensed peat fuel, and wood or mineral 
coal for all purposes, domestic use, generating steam, smelting ore 
