The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-30

amid a labyrinth Of retorts, glass tubes
and what not. We employ an experienced
chemist to conduct constant experiments
with view to hitting upon some new active
more effective than that now in USE
Accepting the hint the visitor paused to
sum up. Then dynamite consists In nitro
glycerin mixed with q number OF non -ex-
rlosive substances, which together act as an
absorbent?'
1And the .nitroglycerin? What is that
made OF and how do You make it?'
."Nitroglycerineis formed when pure glyce-
rim Is agitated with mixture Of nitric
and sulfuIic acids. Come along-I'll show
you how it Is done.
Leaving the Office we struck out toward
a large frame building high up on the bluff
and hanked on either side at wide intervals
by other houses OF the plant. On our
way to the nitroglycerin house or .nitrater'
from which issued dense white and red
fumes which set us coughing and gasping
at a great rate. Here's whore we make
the acids for the. nitroglycerin." was the
explanation, and over there pointing
to huge iron tank AM o. SoileIike appear
whence they are driven in suitable
quantities by compressed air to the nj
trater.'
Arrived at the last mentioned building
and having accustomed our eyes to the
after the glare Of the midday sun, we saw
a series Of large leaden tanks set In tiers.
to the highest Of which my courteous guide
led me. Itlooked like churn of herculean
proportions, the agitator being driven by a
Gle, which was already charged with
weighed amount Of the mixed acids, there
flowed a tiny stream Of pure golden glyce-
rim. An attendant. seated on stool
gazed steadily at large Thermometer, the
lower end Of which projected into the swirl
ing liquid within the tank.
closely2" asked.
'Over 90 is dangerous, he replied without
looking up.
likely to occur'' pursued with one eye
on the Thermometer. which stood at 70, and
the other on the door, which stood ajar.
I'D let her down at 90, with one hand
on a small lever and the other pointed be-
low, where we could see. through hole in
with 1000 gallons Of cold running water.
And them
Get away" was the laconic reply.
Threading our way back to the door through
the numerous tanks, which were used In
washing the. finished nitroglycern from
house, 200 feet below and around the bend
of the hill. Here some men were mixing
a huge mealy mass in large, shallow bin
OF polished wood.
"They're mixing the nitroglycerin with
the DOPE" explained the superintendent.
@Here in the next bin is batch Of the finished
dynamite, ready for the packers" Hooked
cordially mystified at the last term, but was
soon enlightened.
Passing around the bluff we came to the
first of q series Of small buildings, in each
Of which q gang Of men were hammering
away for dear life, ramming or packing
the dynamite through large tin tunnels
into paper cylinders. which form the outer
coverings OF the finished cartridges. At
the end Of this line Of buildings was the
Scase house. where the sticks are weighed
and boxed in cartons for the market.
As we paused before the door Of great
vaultlike structure at the end Of our tour
and contemplated the towering piles OF
boxes stored within I could not resist the
query, But how viii you ever dispose Of
all this7'
.Not q great deal there was the ne
sponse, as the veteran cast his practised
eve over tho stock. AT the rate Of three
cars q week We have only q little over
month supply on hand
and where is all this force let loosea'
asked.
aIn the mines and quarTies OF tn.
Western States. A little goes to tho oosl