ranged the ore first, then the crude metal Limerick, from Cornwall, Whitehaven, Cum

berland, Swansea, Darlington, Stockton-onLees, Aberdare. Ferryhill in Durham, from Oxfordshire, and other places- splendid collection.

from the smelting furnace, then the refined metal, and finally the various implements and articles of hardware for the manufacture of which that particular metal was found to be best adapted; these various articles themselves There were also fine specimens, in large being arranged so as to illustrate the successive quantity, of lead and silver-lead ores from the steps necessary in the process of manufacture. mines of Durham, Cardiganshire, Cornwall, There were superior freestones from the Nor- Shropshire, and Essex; of copper ores and thumberland and Ketton quarries; granites copper manufactures, from Glamorganshire, from North Devon, Aberdeen, Tavestock, and Yorkshire, Shrewsbury, Cornwali; zinc, nickMacclesfield quarries; marbles from Devon-el and silver ores and metals, from Swansea ; shire, Dorset, County of Galway and Derby- tin from Cornwall and Essex, with models of shire; sand and "grit" stones of good quality furnaces and machinery employed in smelting for grind stones, together with fine specimens and working; aluminium and its alloys from of their manufacture, from Newcastle-on-Tyne, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Yorkshire, Middleton, Wigan, Gateshead, and from the Pontvair quarries in South Wales; magnificent specimens of slate from Carnavonshire, Swansea, Portmadoc, from the Burlington quarries, Lancashire, and from the Tintagal quarries, Carnelford; building stones in great variety from many parts of the kingdom; beautiful vases, tables, mantles, and various ornaments made of the black Derbyshire marble, serpentine, Derbyshire fluor spar, and the more precious minerals; china and porcelain clays from Cornwall and Plympton; fire clays, together with retorts, bricks and crucibles, from Stourbridge and Newcastle-on-Tyne; | ducts and processes in this class. tobacco pipes, and potters' clay, with manufactured articles, from Kingsteignton in Devonshire, and from Derbyshire; terra cotta clay can, of course, only be glanced at in this confrom Stamford; purified Fullers' earth for various manufactures, from Finsbury; together with very many materials of like character, of which our limited space well not allow even a

mention.

Where there are so many things-raw materials, processes and machinery, used in preparing the various minerals above named for the use of man-deserving consideration in detail, it seems difficult to select subjects for special remark. Yet, as it is our object, not so much to gratify a laudable curiosity on the part of our readers to know what was exhibited by the various nations in competition, and the portion of the respective countries from which certain articles were derived, as to communicate valuable practical information, we must dwell for a little time upon special pro

THE MINERAL RESOURCES OF GREAT BRITAIN, AS
ILLUSTRATED,

nection.

Still, as the immensity of these resources more than any other material advantage, has secured to the English nation the proud position it occupies among the great powers of the earth, a mere glance will be in

already familiar with the whole subject.

Coals of every description-from the inex-teresting to those of our readers who are not haustible mines of Newcastle-on-Tyne, from Glamorganshire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and numerous other localities -the best in the world.

Building Stones, Marbles, &c.-Probably no other nation possesses a more extensive and varied supply of the marbles, other building stones, and stones susceptible of use for orna

And then the metallic ores and metals proper —what a great variety, and what vast quanti-mental purposes-a circumstance of great imties there were of these! Iron ores, pigs, and manufactures in iron, from the Derby Iron Works, Derby, from Ulverstone, from near

portance, as it renders possible that rich massiveness and durability of public works which so remarkably characterize the national edifi

ces and other structures of the British King- the large limestone district of the Island in dom. colored marbles.

Granite-which is one of the most durable The Serpentine of Great Britain is one of of building stones-as we have seen, abounds the most beautiful stones in the world for orin many localities and is, likewise, very exten-namental purposes. It is composed of silica, sively used in the construction of roads, bridg. magnesia and water, (hydrated silicate of mages, fences and monuments. Thus the granites nesia, therefore,) and is green and red, with of the west of England have supplied the Com- its several shades of these colors arranged in mercial Docks of London, the Hull, Great West- striped, dotted, and clouded delineations.ern & Birkenhead Docks, the Keyham Docks Hence its name-serpentine, serpent-like. It is at Devonport, the London Docks, the Thames so soft that it can be turned in the lathe, and Embankment, many of the great stone bridges yet is tough and takes a beautiful polish.which span the Thames, and many other simi Moreover, it withstands the action of the atlar works, and have even been exported to mosphere exceedingly well, and is admirably Denmark and other parts of the world for like adapted for chimney pieces, columns, vases, purposes. The beautiful granites of Scotland, &c., &c. It occurs in large quantities in Cornespecially those remarkable red and mottled wall-where by means of powerful machinery granites, found in the neighborhood of Aber- it is manufactured on an extensive scale-in deen, and known as "Aberdeen Granite," fur- Anglesea, and Bauffshire, Scotland; in Unst nish a most desirable material for pillars, stair and Fettar in Shetland; and also in Mayo and railings, balustrades, obelisks, &c., and are Galway, Ireland. found thus appropriated in all parts of EngSpecimens of Fine Work in Stone.-Among land and Scotland. While Ireland is supplied the numerous specimens of work in the lapidwith quite as valuable dark colored, reddish ary's art, we should not omit to speak of some gray, and bluish gray granites from the exten- remarkably beautiful examples of the inlaying sive quarries which lie in the counties of Aick- of marbles, executed in Devonshire and Derlow, Canlow, and Kilkenny, along the south-byshire. The work is done in imitation of the eastern coast, and in the county of Galway, on Florentine art, the surface of the tables prethe west. The samples on exhibition were senting the most beautiful floral and other devery fine. signs-the different requisite colors and shades Limestone abounds in many parts of the of color being produced by different colored kingdom, and the varieties of marbles are nu-marbles or more precious stones, such as jasmerous and interesting. Many of the speci-per, agates, chalcedony, lapis lazuli, &c. A mens of manufactures of the Derbyshire mar- piece of black marble is selected of the size bles were as remarkable for the variety of their color-white, gray, russet, dove, blue, and black-and for the beauty of their mottle, occasioned by the presence of innumerable and curious fossils, as for fineness of workmanship and beauty of design.

The limestones and marbles of Devonshire are scarcely less interesting than those of Derbyshire, possessing beautiful tints of color and abounding in fossils. Ireland, also, is rich in marbles-Cumunara, Donegal, Churchtown and Kerry abounding in white; Kilkenny, Galway, Churchtown, Kerry, Tipperary and Doneraile, in black; and almost every portion of

and thickness required for the table top intended to be inlaid. The design is then drawn upon the table and the marble is skilfully cut away to the proper depth withfn the outline, and stones of the requisite color are fitted into their places so as to bring out the design.This is the process employed in the Derbyshire works, and there is probably no handsomer or more durable execution of inlaying in the world. In Devonshire, the veneering process is used-the designs being produced by cementing to the surface of the marble the various pieces of accurately fitted stones. Properly

speaking, therefore, it is onlaying. Malachite when applied to large surfaces is always put on in this way.

The China Stone of England is found exclusively in Cornwall, where about one hundred thousand dollars worth are annually raised. It is a peculiar kind of granite, partially decomposed; the peculiarity consisting in the absence of mica and the presence of glossy scales of a greenish yellow talc, instead. This Cornwall China-stone is worked up in Staffordshire; being used as a glazing for the finer kinds of

ware.

ure 16 inches by 8, and weigh 25 cwt. per thousand of 1200 slates. The "duchesses" measure 24x12; and this is the largest size which are sold by the thousand-all above going by

the ton.

A process has been invented for giving to slate a beautiful enamel, which very much increases their value, and must serve to introduce it still more extensively as a substitute for marble.

The Chalks and Whiting on exhibition were from Gray's Chalk Pits, in Essex, and from Beverly in Yorkshire- These products are deThe Slate on exhibition, in the various rivable, however, from many other sources— forms of roofing slates, brick slates, for chalk, particularly, being the principal rock paving, chimney-pieces, tables, drinking- formation in many of the bluffs, hills and ridgfountains, &c., shows that this materiales of England. The Grays Quarries are reabounds, that it is of a very superior qual-markable for the fossil remains of the mamaity, and that it is coming into very extensive lia and for the variety of useful substances and varied use. Some of the samples shown found with the chalk-whiting, whiting sand, were the most remarkable specimens of which (for asphalte and plate glass), black flint for we have any knowledge. One slab measured pottery, building and gun flints, foundry loam some twelve feet by seven or eight, and had a for moulds for iron castings, and luting for uniform thickness of about three inches. There furnaces being among the number. were likewise samples of roofing slate of a quarter of an inch in thickness, ten inches wide, and ten feet in length-perfectly uniform and almost smooth enough, as they came from the quarry. for use as school slates. These particular specimens were from Langollen in North Wales, and belong to what is known by Geologists as the Upper Silurian system.There are other valuable quarries in various other parts of Wales, and belonging to the Lower Silurian and Cambrian formations.Slate is also found in Cornwall, Devonshire, Lancashire, and various other parts of the

Various valuable Clays likewise occur in many localities, as noticed in the foregoing enumeration of "Mineral Products, &c."

The Porcelain or China Clays (Kaolin) which have furnished so many beautiful manufactures for the Exhibition are chiefly found in Cornwall and Devonshire. They occur in formations resembling decomposed granite, and when first raised from their beds look like common i mortar with a rich dissemination of quartz and mica. Sometimes it contains iron pyites in the : form of veins and small masses of shorl, which

kingdom. Mr. Robert Hunt, F. R. S., Keeper gives to it a rusty color, and hence.requires to

be separated.

The process of preparation for use is interesting, and as we have beds of the clay in this State, we herewith give the process as describ.

of the Mining Records, &c., gives the aggregate product of the several quarries of England as 388,250 tons per annum. London alone consumes about 60,000 tons-one-third of this quantity being in slabs and the remainder ined in the Handbook of Mr. Hunt: roofing slates, which last are sold in nine sizes, "After the impurities (those mentioned above) have all been carefully separated, the clay is next conveyed to the designated as "ladies," "countesses," (three washing place and is then ready for the first operation of the process. A heap of the clay being placed on an insizes) duchesses," (two sizes) "queens," clined platform, on which a little stream of water falls "rags," and "imperials." The "ladies" meas-ly moves it and turns it over with a piggle and shovel, by from the height of about six feet, the workman constant

which means the whole is gradually carried down into an oblong trench beneath, which is also inclined, and which ends in a covered channel that leads to the catch-pits. In the trench, the grains of quartz and mica are deposited, but the other parts, in consequence of their greater levity, are carried onward in a state of suspension. This wa ter is conducted into a series of pits, lined on the sides and bottom with cut moorstone, (a whitish kind of granite), laid in a water-proof cement. In these pits the coarser matters are gradually deposited. In the first pit the grosser particles collect; and, being of a mixed nature, are always rejected at the end of each day's work, by an opening provided for that purpose at the bottom of the pit. When the water has filled the first pit, it

overflows into the next, and in like manner into the third; and in these pits, particularly in the second, a deposit also takes place, which is principally mica. The water, still holding in suspension the finer and purer particles of porcelain clay, next overflows into larger pits called ponds, which are of the same depth as the first pits, but about three times as long and wide. Here the clay is gradually deposited, and the clean, supernatant water is from time to time discharged through plug-holes on one side of the pond. This process is continued, until by successive accumulations the ponds are filled. At this stage the clay is in the state of a thick paste; and to complete the process it only remains to be consolidated by drying, when

it is fit for the market."

At some of the works the process is considerably shortened by the use of machinery and the drying is hastened by artificial heat.

December and Some of its Duties.

The golden days of autumn have, at last, all gone, and December, hoar with frost, has come, ushering in the reign of winter. The dilatory and unfortunate farmer shrugs his shoulders, and regrets that Old Time is so unclever and will not wait. But the thrifty and self-helpful rejoices in that he has faithfully done his work and is now prepared to welcome the season of bodily rest, of social pleasure, and of intellectual improvement. So much for energy and application, when they can be made available in completing the labor of the year.

But may there not be something yet left undone, that is necessary to the comfort of domestic animals, the saving of valuable produce or implements, the economy of the household, and to the better advancement of the highest interests of the family? We fear there may

Eighty-eight thousand tons of this clay are be; and to the end that nothing of importance produced for market annually, Cornwall yield-be forgotten, let us make a few enquiries: ing 85,000 tons of this amount. It is used not only in the manufacture of China ware, but also in the making of paper and in bleaching calico.

The Stourbridge Fire Clay is found in the coal measures. It withstands the action of intense furnace heat (whence its name fire) and is of two kinds, white and black; the former being used for glass-house pots, and the latter in making crucibles for steel, iron, brass and some other metals. Fine examples of these manufactures were on exhibition.

Implements.-Have you brought from the field and properly sheltered all your reapers, harrows, rakes, plows, drills, &c., &c. ?—or do they yet lie out with a prospect of remaining until spring exposed to rain and snow, and of thus depreciating in value more than would be necessary with two years' reasonable use, with care? Come, neighbor Shiftless, don't be shiftless, in this particular, any longer. A few hours' work may save you fifty or a hundred

dollars.

tention here will pay a large per cent.

Grain, Hay and Straw Stacks.-Have you properly covered them, so that they will not be The "Poole Potters' Clay, from Dorset-saturated with water all winter? A little atshire, was represented by numerous specimens of brick, tile, stone ware, ornamental works, &c.; and the Teignmouth Pipe Clay-a peculiar granitic clay from Devonshire-by like manufactures, and by masses of alum, one of its important chemical products.

Sheds for Stock.-Have you all your cattle, sheep, and swine require in this respect? If not, don't rest a day without beginning the work of their preparation. Humanity and economy unite in demanding this at your hands. Don't be saving of your partitions.— There is no economy in forcing all your stock,

But we have already prolonged this paper beyond our intention. In the next number we shall discuss the Metallic ores of Great Brit-horses, horned cattle, calves, sheep and pigs, ain, their Products and Improved Processes rendering the subject more interesting, we trust, to most readers than it has been possible to make this present article.

into one grand enclosure. The masters in each line will monopolize the best of everything to the exclusion of their weaker companions, and not unfrequently the life of a valuable animal

will be lost as a result of this foolish congregation of animals that ought to be separate. Animals bearing young, of whatever kind, should be carefully kept apart, and always tenderly managed.

Close stables-tight we mean-are not healthful. At least, it is bad for animals to be kept constantly in such stables. Fresh air is as essential to their health and comfort as to ours. It is well for sheds, even, where there are many individuals occupying one building of this sort, to have an open yard connected with them, into which, when the weather is not stormy, they can go without restraint.

pass without making all your exposed stores of roots, vegetables and fruits perfectly secure.

Fruit Trees must have certain attention this month, if you would have an abundance of fruit in the future.

To protect from mice, earth may be thrown up about the crown of the roots, or snow as it falls may be trodden down about the trunk.If newly planted and young, a mound of earth to the height of a foot or eighteen inches will be of service in protecting from cold, as well.

Pruning may be done this month, if the weather should be favorable. Thin out all superfluous, and especially all unhealthy branches, cutting close to the trunk or larger branch, so that the bark may, in time, heal over the wound, and thus prevent decay. This is important.

Cuttings for next year's grafting should also be taken now. Select the best matured new wood, cut with a sharp knife, tie up in bundles, and cover up in dry sand or earth, and keep in a dry place of moderate temperature. The cellar is the best place.

So much for the farm and the orchard-the care of implements, stock, meadows, and fruit trees. A word in the next place of things not material, and yet not less important.

The Family.-Your attention has been carefully called to the importance of looking well to the necessities and comforts of your cattle and the products of the field and orchard; but are not your wife and children of infinitely more worth than multitudes of cattle or countless flocks of sheep? See that the companion of your life suffer for the want of no conven

If not already provided with fodder racks, do not fail to construct them as early as possible. Throwing feed upon the ground to be trod on and otherwise soiled is a very shiftless way of doing business, and the most enterprising farmers never manage in that way.Light racks, such as can be conveniently moved from time to time are the best. Any farmer with a grain of ingenuity can construct them. Your Meadows.-Do they yield as large a crop as you want? If not, wouldn't it be well to top-dress them with compost or well rottedience that can possibly be supplied to her, and manure? The manure would protect the roots of the grass to some extent, and during the winter and spring much of its fertilizing material would be washed into the soil. Now is the time to apply it, and the frosty mornings render the labor of hauling comparatively easy. Try it.

Your Root Cellars are, of course, well protected from the frost. Have we made a violent presumption? Then attribute the mistake to our good nature, and let not another cold night

that she have a little leisure, as well as yourself, for the improvement of her mind. To be sure, the times are trying, and the necessity for industry and economy is likely to be more imperative than heretofore; and yet, if you will help her, as best you can, by allowing her to waste no strength in doing what does not belong to her to do, and by yourself sharing her more masculine labors during the winter when she has a great deal to do, and you comparatively little, the occasional spare moments