The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1884-09-12

sicians, and to other distinguished men. We
| visited the court, which was in session., ex-
amned churches, banks, and other public
buildings. The old Lebanon Bank has re-
Gently moved into its new building, which
has been constructed as nearly burglar and
| tire,proof as possible. We were introduced
to the President, to the cashier, and to the
teller, and received marked attentions from
each of them. Their new safe, which is re-
yolving globe, of two tons weight, without a
key hole or crack into which powder could
be introduced, would appear to be absolutely
proof against bank robbers, even if they
could get through the heavy iron gates to it.
The safe, and the outer gate leading 10 it are
both provided with clock work, which can
not be opened until the hour to which they
are set arrives; so that, even if the burglar
were to arrest the bank officer who has the
keys, and threaten him with death, it would
be impossible for him to open the doors.
There are great many furnaces, and other
iron manufactures in Lebanon county, but
probably the greatest curiosity in the county,
considering its interest, magnitude and value,
is to be found in the far-famed ore mines at
Cornwall, five miles from Lebanon, and
which belong to the wealthy Coleman estate.
Two railroads, running within seventy feet
of each other, connect Lebanon with Corn
wall, but as DR.. Butcher had some patients to
see on the way, we went over TO visit the
mines in his carriage.
Upon reaching Cornwall, we were intro
duced to the manager, Mr.. Taylor Boyd,
brother of our long time friend, Col. A. Boyd,
of Philadelphia. Mr. Boyd received us very
kindly, and explained everything very salts
factorily.
A large number of mines are constantly en-
gagged in getting out the rich ore. They drill
the holes for blasting by means of compress
ed air, which is prepared by machinery at
hundreds of yards distance, and conveyed in
tubes to the points where wanted. The rap
id clicking Of the drills could be heard over
various parts of the hill sides, and then five
or six blasts would be discharged in rapid
succession, by means of electricity. Cars are
constantly being loaded with the ore, of
which several hundred tons are shipped daily.
While Mr. Boyd was explaining matters of
interest to the writer, DR.. Butcher, to show
his proves, seized a wheel-barrow, loaded
by one of the men with about two hundred
pounds of the ore, and to the CONSERVATION
of Mr.. Boyd and myself, who expected to see
him and his load go off the plank, succeeded
10 our relief, in rolling his heavy load on
board the car. He then picked up piece of
the ore that he had wheeled, weighing about
four pounds, and presented it to the writer,
who brought it to his Hartford county home
as memento of the feat of his friend, and OF
his visit to Cornwall. The ore generally, in
these mines, contains from 80 to 90 per ct. of
pure iron.
In the evening we went to the Colebrook
furnace, in the outskirts of the city of Leban-
on, to witness the casting of pig iron. There
are several other furnaces in the immediate
vicinity but this one was considered the
most complete in its improved machinery,
and is said to have cost over 100000. 1t is
a double furnace under the same roof, which
casts simultaneously, from each, twenty-five
tons Of pig iron every six hours The heat
required is intense, ranging from 800 TO 800
degrees F. The superintendent was extrem-
ly kind in showing and explaining matters
pertaining to the casting process.
After returning from Colebrook, we went
out and took view of Lebanon by gas
light" not, however, investigating all of its
mysteries.
On the next morning, Saturday, we took
leave of our most hospitable host and his
kind wife, who were so hospitable and kind
in their own house and outside as to furnish
every comfort and luxury and entertainment
without permitting the writer to leave one
penny of Maryland money in the county of
Lebanon.
Lebanon country excels in its agricultural
products. The growing crop of corn indica
ted the fertility of the soil. The scenery is
beautiful, high, rolling land, dotted over
with the tall furnace chimneys, with net
work of railroads, over which the roar of the
wheels and the shrek of the whistle are
constantly heard, indicative of thrift and
business everywhere.
We were pleased with our visit to Ephra-
ia, and delighted with our visit, our first, to
Lebanon. Very truly, Yours,
w. STUMP FoRwooD.
Darlington, Md, Sept. list, 1884.