The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1889-05-22
Origin of Natural Gas.
WHERE IT is FoUND-MUNCIE AND HER Ap-
vANTAGEs.

WHERE 1T is FoUND-MUNCIE AND HER ADJ
vANTAGEs.
Scientists advance many theories in re-
gard to the origin and formation of this
wonderful natural gas, not one of which has
it been possible thus far to verify. One
of the many is that by spraying oil upon
steam gas is formed, and that the steam
from the heated portions of the earth acts
upon the great reservoirs of coal oil, produc-
ing the so-called natural gas. But the
theory most generally accepted-that of
Professor Orton-is that the gas is formed
by the decomposition of vegetable matter
The gas is shown in every case to be closely
related to rock formations that are heavily
charged with organic matter, either animal
or vegetable. Gas is found in the vicinity
of Pittsburg, where it has been utilized to
greater extent than anywhere else. Nat
ural gas wells similar to our own have
been in constant use in China since date
before the Christian era.
The largest known gas wells, and also the
largest gas fields, are found in Indiana. The
manufacturing city of Muncie, the largest
city in the Indiana gas fields, is situated in
the center of the gas district, with direct
railroad communications north, SOUTH east
and west. The area of the Indiana gas
field is about 2 800 square miles, while that
of the Pennsylvania field is about sixteen
square miles. Not only are the gas fields
and wells larger than those of Pennsylva-
mia, but the quality of the gas is better for
fuel and lighting purposes than any other
known natural gas. A stranger visiting the
city of Muncie is astonished at the ways in
which this wonderful natural gas is used.
There is not ton of coal or a cord of wood
used in year for heating purposes in
Muncie. A tve-goom house canbe heated and
lighted, using the gas night and day if you
wish, for from eight to ten dollars per year.
just think of it, about the price of one ton
of coal in Vermont. Mr.. Darnell, president
of the Muncie Iron and Nail Company, states
that they saved, in the bare expense of fuel,
last year $4,000. This concern employs
about POO men.
The offer to manufacturers which Muncie
is making of free fuel, lights and land
TO locate on - bringing in manufacturers
now at the rae of three every thirty days,
and bids fair soon to make her one of the
largest manufacturing cities in this country.
The rapid increase in her population nat
urally causes corresponding rise in the
value of real estate. The opportunities for
investment to be found in Muncie are un-
excelled, as she is bound to grow, but, like
all western cities, she lacks capital Her
natural gas seems to be ineXhaustble. She
is surrounded by the best of farming coun-
try to be found in the United States The
climate is good, her drainage is perfect, she
has three trunk lines of railway passing
through the city, giving direct communica-
ton in six different directions When we
come to compare Muncie with all her nat
ural advantages and enterprise, with other
western cities, that have neuer had her
vantage-ground of natural resources, first
and foremost among which comes her
wondrous natural gas, also her climate.
drainage, healthfulness and freedom from
smoke, ashes, cinders and coal-dust, it is
simply impossible to portray her future
growth,
THE DELAWARE COUNTY LAND M
PRoYEMENT COMPANY
of Muncie, Ind, has a capital stock of
S250OO fully paid and worcestershire. At
recent meeting of the stockholders (some
six in number) of the above company they
unanimously agreed to contribute one-ffth
of their shares TO the company, and to put
the 1000 shares thus obtained on the
market at siXty-tve cents on the dollar.
The money obtained from the sale of these
shares is to be used for improving the
property. Below is a letter from the vice.
president of the Delaware County Bank of
Muncie, Indiana;
"MUNcIE, May rs, 1889.
To NeSSrS. ", MdrUR 6 Co.: GENTLE
MEN-In reply to yours of the 18th, would
say that the Deleware County Land I'M
provement Company, with headquarters in
this city, are the owners of about 400 acres
of choice land, all in one tract, and avail
able Tor both business and residence prop
erty, being situated about one and one
fourth miles from the courthouse in Muncie.
The individual members of this company
represent capital to the amount of three
fourths TO one million dollars Yours, etc.
(Signed) j. II. SrRANKLE, Vice-president.
For further particulars in relation to the
stock and building lots of the Delaware
County Land Improvement Co., also for
illustrated pamphlet giving description of
Munce and history of the discovery and
growth of natural gas, address M. Marvin
x Co., 20 State street, Montpelier, Vt, New
England agents for Delaware County Land
improvement Company.