Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-09-05

able reference work on Wisconsin
stone. The investigations which were
carried on in preparing this bulletin
shows that the state possesses mex
haustlble resources of granite, of ter
or twelve distinct colors and textures
equal in durability and strength to any
eastern product. This report likewise
emphasizes the value and importance
of the sandstone and limestone de
posits, giving all available data. re
specting their occurrence, texture
strength, and durability.
The information which is contained
in report of this character is espe.
cially valuable, because the statements
made are unbiased and the tests are
reliable. This report is referred to by
builders contractors and biologists as
the best that has yet been published on
the subject Of building and orna-
mental stones. This report will IN
still in the minds of the people of Wis
consin and adjacent states a higher
and more wholesome regard for the
value of Wisconsin building and orna-
mental stones when compared with
eastern and imported stones
Our cIays.
In similar manner to that in which
/ the building stones have been investi-
gated DR.. Buckley has taken, up the
investigation of the clay resources of
Wisconsin. Since May, 1899, he has
visited nearly all of the brick tile fac
tories operating at the present time in
Wisconsin, about 100 in number All
the clay banks have been carefully ex-
amined, and the methods of manufac-
turing given careful consideration
Samples of clay from 90 or 100 local
tiles were collected and chemical
analyses of most of the clays have been
made by S. V. People, assisted by w.
S. Ferris. The first number of the re
port on Clays and Clay Industries was
published six. months ago. This part
of the report is essentially a summary
of the Present Conditions of the Brick
and Drain Tile Industry in Wisconsin,
although certain chapters are devoted
to principles which are necessary to
an intelligent understanding of the
process of manufacturing clay wares.
The investigation of the clays shows
that Wisconsin has numerous quaint
ties of clay suitable for the manufac-
ture of common building brick, terra
Gotta, fire proofing, drain tile, and
earthenware. There are also less ex-
tensive deposits that can be advan-
tageously used in the manufacture of
paving brick and other vitrified wares.
The most refractory clays and shales
were found to be suitable for the man
ufacture of fire brick of moderate fire
resisting qualities. The very plastic
white kaolin which occurs in the
western part of the state has been
demonstrated to be admirably adapted
to the highest grades of porcelain. 1t
has also been suggested in this report
that the clay in that vicinity might be
used successfully with the mari &C.
curing in the eastern part of the state
for the manufacture of Portland &C.
ment. This report on clays is really
one of the companion pieces to the re-
port on Building and Ornamental
Stones.
The second part of this report was
intended to contain the results of a
more detailed laboratory examination
of the clays. Owing, however, to the
unfortunate condition in which the
survey was placed by the action Of the
last legislature the work on this sub
ject was postponed.
Road Building.
For the last five years, while pre-
pairing the reports above mentioned,
DR.. Buckley has been accommodating
material for a report on Road Con-
struction in Wisconsin Cities, Towns,
and Villages. This report, to be is
sued sometime during the coming win
ter, will have special reference to the
materials used in the construction of
pavements. However, the report will
not be devoted exclusively to a consid-
Grafton Of the materials used, but will
treat of methods of construction and
maintenance. DR.. Buckley has exam
ined most of the improved highways
in Wisconsin. Having a knowledge as
he does of the materials used in their
construction, the character of the sub
soil, conditions of traffic and date of
construction the conclusions reached
| should be very reliable. 1t may be ex,
|
road construction will be furnished to
the people of this state.
Portland Cement.
J A. year ago this spring DR.. Buckley
also took up the investigation of the
mari deposits in eastern Wisconsin,
with the purpose of determining their
suitability for the manufacture OF
| Portland cement. An attempt was
made at this time to determine the ex-
tent and character Of these deposits in
Door, Kewaunee, Waupaca, Shawano
Langlade and Waushara counties
About 25 deposits were examined
many of which were found
to be sufficiently extensive
and of good quality to be
suitable for the manufacture Of
cement. The field work connected
with this investigation was carried on
by J. l.. Nelson of Beloit. This work
along with that on the clays was sus
pended at the beginning of the year
with the purpose of resuming it later
when conditions became more favor
able