p.2

in the fire, and from its low specific gravity (1:27).

It is therefore best adapted for making gas,
and for burning in places where a brisk and rapidly
burning fire is not needed.

A cubic foot, as it will in its natural
bed weighs very nearly 80 pounds, and each acre will
yield 8,712 tons - from which of course a large
allowance must be made for waste, and for the pillars
left to support the roof.

The thin white coating over the surface of
many specimens of the coal is carbonate of lime; a
substance that works no injury to it.

Please let me know the result of
the analysis when completed, with Dr. Blaney's opinion
of the coal as deduced from it. You are fortunate
in securing his service in the matter.

Yours very truly
I. A. Lapham.

J. C. Hilton Esq.

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Accompanying this a private letter sent