Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/509

 1868.J The Gazette. 415 THE GAZETTE, RICHMOND GRANITE COMPANY. THE Richmond Granite Co., whose quarry is on the James river, three miles above the city of Richmond, Va., has just quarried an immense block of granite, one hundred feet long, twenty- three feet wide and twenty feet thick, containing forty-six thousand cubic feet and weighing about four thousand tons. This large mass is in one sound piece; and is probably the largest block of granite quarried in this, or any other country To detach this block from the main rock, three holes were drilled, eleven feet deep by one and a half inches in diameter, into a seam that ran vertically through the rock. These holes were filled with powder and exploded in a manner to open the seam, without shat- tering the stone. In this seam a charge of powder was exploded, which moved the block about twelve inches. One hundred pounds of powder were used in making this blast ; and so skilfully was it done, that there is no appearance of strain throughout the stone, which is now being cut into smaller sizes. In doing this no powder is used. Small holes, about two inches deep, are drilled where the break is to be made. Into these holes iron plugs are placed. The force of these plugs, when driven into the stone, is astonishing to those unac- quainted with quarrying. Two hundred and fifty of these plugs were inserted into the block, when ten men with ham- mers, m fifteen minutes, split the stone, its whole length and depth, as straight, as if it had been sawn. The same pro- cess will be continued, until the whole is cut into such sizes as can be trans- ported. The quality of this granite is excellent. It is of fine grain, good color, tough and receives a brilliant polish. It is well adapted for monumental and building purposes, and has been tested by scientific men appointed by the Gov- ernment, who certify to its superior quality. The quarry was extensively worked previous to the war supplying the Government largely for its forts and other works. A considerable quantity is now being used in Philadelphia and other cities. Walnut street west of Broad, in front of the United States Mint; and various streets are now being paved with cubical blocks from this quarry The land, from which this stone is procured, contains eighteen acres; and is a solid mass of Granite. It gradually rises from the river to an ele- vation of one hundred feet. It has been lately purchased by a number of gentle- men of this City, who have formed a Company Their President is Mr. Edwin Grehle, whose office is No. 1708 Chestnut street, Philadelphia. HARRISON'S STEAM BOILER. "TT"7"E have had our attention called VV to a pamphlet containing an Essay on the Steam Boiler, written by Joseph Harrison, Jr., of Philadel- phia. After a careful view of what has been done, from the beginning, in steam gen- erating apparatus, Mr. Harrison pro- ceeds to discuss an invention of his own, which has now been before the public, in extended practical use, for several y ears. This new steam generator seems to meet the requirements of a most diffi- cult question, one upon which much time, mind and money have been spent for a century past. Safe steam has been, and is now, the