The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1884-07-17

Oh observations OF natural supplies
generated down deep in natures labo-
ratory; and that one Of the great him
drances to deep, and in some localities
to even shallow mining, is the large
quantities Of infammable gases met
with, it seems matter of no little
surprise that so little attention has
been paid to these natural sources Of
supply.
The Chinese inform US that for cen
turies they have been accustomed to
convey gas from assures through
bamboo tubes in salt mines, ranging
in depth from 1900 to 1900 feet, for
lighting and heating purposes.
The so-called Eternal Piers,' near
the Caspian Sea, in Asia, are but
burning gases issuing from the EARTH
And it is said that in Hungary infam-
mable gases are constantly issuing
from salt mines
But as a further illustration Of our
slowness to perceive and utilize the
forces of nature around, above and
beneath us, we have only to call atten-
ton to the development of petroleum
or coal oil in the last thirty years in
this country. This valuable product
had long been known, in this country,
as seneca oil, rock oil, &C.; but until a
few years ago its vast commercial
value was scarcely dreamed of.
In 1854 the first company was
formed, in Venango Co., Pa. for bor-
ing for this now valuable product.
Four years later, in 1858, success was
obtained by tapping oil at the remark
ably shallow depth of seventy-two
feet, from which the yield was 1000
gallons per day. AS result Of this
splendid find, unbounded enthusiasm
was awakened, and boring for oil be-
came the order of the day. In that
year the oil product, in this country
alone, reached s,ee5,0Q0 bbls., and in
- years the production had reached
thirty-four million barrels per year.
and the product still increasing, and
the oil territory widening. And al
though much the greater portion of
this immense supply Of ni! was forced
to the surface by the immense quan-
titles of infammable gas, which often
took fire. by accident or otherwise,
thereby consuming property aggrega-
ting millions, it has been suffered to
flow undisturbed and unutilized, and
only thought valuable as natural
means Of elev,ating the coveted oil to
the surface of terra frma.
A word now as to the formation Of
hydro-carbon oil, and the Illuminating
gases. first by artificial means, and
secondly in natures laboratory.
The coal when heated is principally
converted into gases and hydro-carbon
oil, and the lower the heat the less
will be the weight Of coke or carbon
aceous residue in the retort, and the
greater the amount Of carbon remain
ing combined with hydrogen. Hence
moderately shallow veins Of coal dlstil
| hydso-carbon oils, while the deeper
strata from the greater pressure and
internal heat, convert the carl bon oil
into hydro-carbon gases. This gas,
meeting with resistance sufficient to
prevent its escape, may, when tkst re-
sistance is near the surface, be con-
densed into carbon OIL IL this theory
of the production Of natural infam-
mable gases be correct, as indicated,
we should expect it, when purified, to
be superior to the artificial product.
It is said that considerable quantities
Of artificial Illuminating gases are now
being manufactured in Germany,
Austria and Russia, and to some ex-
tent in this country, from petroleum
oil, and that 100 lbs. of good oil will
yield 1900 #. of gas Of the specific
gravity of OO7 and is of the richest
quality that can be produced. Its
analysis shows 1t to consist OF
Heavy Hydrocarbons. ....-,.. aa.4
Light ....... 400
Hydrogen. .................. 26 0
One cubic #. Of this oil gas is equal
to 5 #. of that manufactured from
coal, and more agreeable in odor.
In addition to the use of gas as an
illuminator, its use for heating and
cooking is rapidly growing in impor-
tance. The facility Of regulation.
readiness Of application, and its per-
feet cleanliness, are recommendations
which can not be over-estimated. In
roasting by gas, the juice Of meats is
said to be retained to greater .extent
than by the ordinary process; the heat
can be so nicely adjusted as greatly to
aid the cook in preparing our food in
a more wholesome and palatable con-
dition. With ordinary care and pres
ent appliances, accidents With this
agent, to say the least, are not proba-
BILE. In every sense cooking ranges
thus supplied with fuel are far prefer
able to all others.
With our present knowledge of the
vast quantities Of this natural heat
and light supply, and Of the constantly
growing demand for cheaper heat
and light producing article, it seems
amazing that this natural cheap and
abundant supply, so admirably adapted
to our wants, should have been SO long
and neoiecfed In view of