CONTENTS. 
Pa^e. 
Introduction, by J. A. Holmes 5 
Organization 5 
Location and buildings 5 
Equipment 6 
Personnel 7 
Nature and results of the investigations 8 
Some problems needing investigation 10 
Detailed reports of tests 11 
Analyses of Alaska coal 11 
Investigation of peat 11 
Literature relating to peat and its utilization 11 
Field work, by E. W. Parker and J. Shober Burrows 16 
Introduction 16 
Inspection procedure 17 
Mine samples 17 
Designation of samples 18 
Samples received and tested 18 
Samples collected and en route to St. Louis, January 1, 1906 28 
Work of the chemical laboratory, by N. W. Lord 29 
Introduction 29 
New equipment 29 
Changes in methods 29 
Personnel 30 
Work done in laboratory 30 
Washing tests, by John D. Wick 31 
Introduction 31 
Improvement in equipment — 31 
Tests made 31 
Steaming tests, by L. P. Breckenridge 33 
Equipment 33 
Improvements and additions 33 
Personnel 34 
Changes in methods of testing 34 
Work done 34 
Features of the investigations 35 
Special tests 35 
Tests on mixed coals 35 
Tests on dried coals 35 
Twenty-four hour runs 35 
Producer-gas tests, by Robert H. Fernald 36 
Equipment 36 
Personnel 36 
Improved conditions of testing 36 
Number of tests made 37 
Special features of the investigations 37 
3 
