River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1888-07-12
NATURAL GAS IN CHINA.
The Fire Pits and Brine Wells Operated
by Chinese Corporations.

liberated
by Chinese Corporations.
Mr.. Charles DENLY, United States
Minister to China sends the State De-
partment some interesting information
about natural gas and its use in that
country. II is found in Sz'chwan, near
town called Tsz-lin-tsing. In an
area of twenty-seven Ii (nine miles)
diameter salt wells are found. To make
well the Chinese use a long and
elastic bamboo pole, supported in the
middle by cross piece, rope made
by coupling the ends Of long mot
twisted) slices of bamboo, and an iron
instrument which weighs 100 catties
(catty equals II pounds). The rope is
fastened on the end of the pole, and the
iron on the end of the rope A slight
up and down motion Of the thick end
of the pole makes the iron hop and
bore a vertical hole with its broad,
sharpened edge. The ground to
be perforated consists chiefly of sand
stone and clay. When a portion of
the rock is mashed clear water is
poured into the hole, a long bamboo
tube with a valve in the bottom is
lowered and the turbid water raised to
the top. Pipes of cypress wood are
rammed in TO protect the sides of the
bored hole and to prevent the water
contained IN the surrounding ground
from getting access to the well; the
pipes are attached to each other at the
ends with nails, hemp and tung oil
The inner width of the pipes is about
inches. As the work proceeds the
pipes are rammed deeper, and new
one attached on the top; the rope, too,
is made longer. AT u depth varying
from 20 to 100 chang GOO to 1000
feet) the brine is struck, and the well
is tit for use. The brine is raised to
the top through long bamboo tubes
and bamboo ropes, as described, by
means of a horse-whim, and then car
ried to large pans for evaporation, or
led to them through bamboo pipes.
Besides these wells there are others,
which are bored to the depth of from
1900 to 1000 feet. At that distance
below the surface petroleum is struck.
Immediately on reaching it an inflam-
mable gas escapes with great violence.
Work is now stopped, and wooden
cap fastened over the mouth of the pit,
perforated by several rows of round
holes. In each of them bamboo pipe
is inserted, and through these the gas
is led under the evaporating pans. The
pipes ramify, and on each end taper
ing mouthpiece, terminating in a small
aperture, is attached. The gas is then
used for evaporating the brine.
The enterprising spirit which in
duced the Chinese to examine the
ground at so great a depth is said to
have its origin in the drying up of a
brine pit. The proprietor was in hopes
of meeting brine at a greater depth,
but found instead the gas.
When the country was infested with
rebels during the TAPPING rebellion,
they removed the cap from one of the
gas pits and set fire TO it. Since that
time long column of fire has risen
from that PIT, and it is considered
nearly impossible to stop the flame.
The gas pits and brine pits are
owned separately by corporations. The
owners are subjected to the control of
the government. The government
monopoly is in the hands of tn
"Taotai," who resides at the place.
The salt works of Tsz-lin tsing yield
considerable revenue to the govern
ment, and have besides enriched
numerous proprietors, and give oc-
cupation to a numerous population.
The number of fire pits is twenty
four, and the salt pits are innumerable.
Some of them do not enjoy the advan-
tages of gas. The brine is evaported
with grass and wood. Washington
Letter.