In the preceding number we have spoken in general terms of this
beautiful acquisition to our art materials, and indeed we feel that
we cannot esteem this new American discovery too highly; for even in
Europe such stone is extremely scarce at the present day, and it is
fortunate that the location in which the quarries exist is open to
the Old World to freely supply the wants of its artists, as well as
our own. The beautiful Lake Champlain affords excellent commercial
facilities, the Chambly Canal and Sorel River improvements opening a
free navigation both with the great chain of lakes, and the Atlantic
Ocean. The Champlain Canal connecting it with the Erie Canal and Hudson
River, giving it uninterrupted communication with New York State and
its Empire City, from the latter end of March to the middle of December.
The quarry is situated in a great lode projecting up in the bosom or
bay of Lake Champlain, forming an island of several acres outcropping
on each shore, and giving evidence that the deposit extends and really
forms, at this point, the bed of the lake, its supply being thought to
be inexhaustible.
The marble occurs in beds and strata varying in thickness from one
to six feet, and will split across the bed or grain; blocks of any
required size being readily obtained. Its closeness of texture and
hardness render it susceptible of a very high polish, and it will
resist in a remarkable degree all atmospheric changes. It is hard to
deface with acids or scratches, and this one fact should attach to
it much additional value. Its variegation in color, as shown by the
specimens taken from its outcroppings, give promise of a much richer
development as the bed of the quarry is approached; and must equal in
beauty and durability the highly prized oriental marble of ancient and
modern times.
The facilities, already alluded to, of its transportation to all the
markets for such material in the country and to the seaboard, whence
it can be shipped to any part of the world, must tend to bring it into
general use here and elsewhere, that colored marbles are required for
building and ornamental purposes.
We are much indebted to a gentleman of Philadelphia, whose taste and
liberal enterprise have so opportunely brought to our knowledge this
most remarkable deposit of one of Nature’s most beautiful hidden
treasures, which must, at no distant day, add vastly and more cheaply
to the art material of our country.
* * * * *
THE palace in course of construction at Ismalia, for the reception of
the Empress Eugenie during her stay in Egypt, will be 180 feet wide and
120 deep. The estimate cost is 700,000fr. According to the contract
it is to be finished by the 1st of October, for every day’s delay the
architect will be subject to a fine of 300fr per day, and if finished
before he will receive a bonus of 300fr per day. The building will
be square; in the centre there is to be a dome covered with Persian
blinds. On the ground floor there will be the ball, reception, and
refreshment rooms. An idea can be formed of the importance of this
structure and of the work necessary to complete it within the required
time, as it will contain no less than 17,400 cubic feet of masonry.
* * * * *
TO REMOVE WRITING INK—To remove writing ink from paper, without
scratching—apply with a camel’s hair brush pencil a solution of two
drachms of muriate of tin in four drachms of water; after the writing
has disappeared, pass the paper through the water and dry.