The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-09-24
Dismal Swamp Peat.

ticle On peat-the peat of the Dismal
Swamp, the lakes, and Canada. The ar
ticle discusses peat in all its adaptations
as fuel. It has been tried in Canada for
railroads with fine results. 1t is economi-
cal and efficient. 1t requires less amount
in bulk Of fuel than coal, and makes an
intense heat. Railroad men regard it as
great auxiliary to railroad interests, not
only as fuel, but as affording new article
Of transportation. 1t is also considered
as suitable for iron works as fuel for
smelling purposes" For parlors and
chambers it is said to be admirable. 1t
is burned in small quantities, and requires
to be replenished often but yields more
intense heat and makes less ashes than
coal or wood. We extract the following
relative to the peat of the Dismal swamp,
prepared specimens of which have been
exhibited in this city:
The Dismal swamp is probably the
largest available peat deposit in America,
if not in the world and its availability
arises in great measure from the fact
that canal large enough for small steam
boats traverses its centre. It's extent was
first discovered March, 1928, by the sur
veyors of the Virginia and North Carolina
State line. 1t required eight days dill
gent labor to make the passage where that
line crosses the swamp. Although its sur
face is so covered with roots that person
can travel over it, yet pole can any,
where be thrust down from ten to forty
feet through the soft peaty substance be-
low. This swamp is everywhere covered
with dense growth of timber or smaller
plants, which have been growing and de-
caying from time immemorial. All this
has furnished the substance of which
peat is formed to such an extent that
the supply is incalculable. This is
contrary to the received scientific OPT
nion that peat is formed only in cold
climates. The evidence to the con-
trary is here patent. Two companies at
least have been organized, and have seve-
raj of Leavitt's peat machines at work
upon the banks of the Dismal Swamp ca
nal, and they find ready market for their
condensed peat. The steamboats, pass up
the Great Dismal Swamp canal within
fifty rods of their works. The engineers
of these boats are so much pleased with
this fuel that they have contracted to take
all the companies make with their present
facilities at six dollars per ton. Other ap-
plcants for the fuelare already numerous,
and coal-dealer from Richmond has made
written application to them to secure con-
troll Of the entire product of their works
for that market. The cost Of labor there
is much less than at the North, as they en-
ploy freedmen mostly at a dollar day.
We have seen samples Of this fuel, which
cannot be excelled in quality in any other
northern region.
In digging, it is found that the roots OF
reeds and bushes arc all upon the surface
or not over one foot below; then the mass
is perfectly plastic, yet so firm that it can
be cut into cakes Of any size that can be
handled.
Much of the Dismal Swamp lands are
not covered with timber, but contain bu-
red forest, some Of the logs of which are
asSound as they were ages ago.
1t is a fact worth knowing that opera
tors in this as well as in other peat swamps
are generally healthy. During the time Of
slavery the deepest recesses of this swamp
were always inhabited by negroes, who
built their cabins elevated upon stilts
above the water. AS the whole ground
becomes navigable as fast as cleared OF
peat, it can be excavated By steam dredges,
carried in boats to the condensiDg ma
chimes, and from them shipped on board ol
vessels navigating the canal. The water Of
Lake Drummond is remarkably clear,
although of reddish color. Upon part
of the area no bottom has yet been found,
but the peat from the lowest depth is
equal in quality to that nearest the sur
face. The peat appears to have the same
antiseptic qualities as that of the Irish
bogs. One of the peculiarities of the
Dismal Swamp water is that it never spoils
ut sea. .........