Page 438 - us_mineralresources1885

422 MINERAL RESOURCES.

Terra cotta.—While information as to the total amount of this material
made during 1885 is very meager, sufficient has been elicited during the
course of inquiry to indicate a further growth, of the industry. New
Jersey produces by far the largest quantity, followed in turn by Massa-
chusetts, Illinois, Maryland, and Ohio, the latter State having in the last
report received credit for a larger proportion than properly due under
this classification. All the old established works have equaled the out-
put of 1884, and some have reached an excess, while new plants of con-
siderable magnitude were projected in the West, with an intention of
commencing operations in time for the season of 1886. The use of terra
cotta appears to have grown in about the same proportion as brick, as
the use of tbe two materials in combination is not only a present fashion,
but recognized upon a basis of economy, durability, and safety, with a
gain rather than loss in the matter of attraction. Low cost, resistance to
climatic changes, and ability to withstand fire, coupled with its adapt-
ability to almost any desired style of trimming, has made the article one
of the most popular for general building operations, and it is extending
over a much wider area of consumption. The use of terra cotta is not
free from objection when placed in position as a constructive material
alone, or as an ornament when injudiciously applied, but as the faults
are principally of an architectural character they are likely to be over-
come by time and experience. Some excellent effects for interior work
were brought out during the year, including beautiful designs for fire-
places, mantels, and hearths to match, and better aiopliances in the way

of machinery have been introduced with most satisfactory results. The
value of the terra cotta produced in New Jersey in 1883 was about

$440,000, in 1884 well up to $450,000, and in 1885 not less than $500,000,
with the amount of actual work really accomplished greater than repre-
sented by the mere difference in value, owing to modified cost of pro-
duction.
Terra-cotta lumber has not become established as an article of practical
value.
Firejproofing.—The production has been of an irregular cliaracter, with
some conflict of opinion as to quantity, but the probabilities are in favor
of a shrinkage as compared with 1884. The result was in no instance
attributed to loss of confidence in the article, but principally to differ-
ence in the character of buildings constructed at some of the principal
points of consumption. The bulk of the manufacturing is in the States
of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but Ohio is increasing somewhat,
and other western States are experimenting.
Roofing tiles.—These have a somewhat irregular consumption, as they
are used principally for fancy and striking effects upon detached struct-
ures, and as a rule are made only upon orders. Production in conse-
quence runs close to the outlet, and the indications are that there was
little if any increase during 1885. The material was certainly more in
favor in some localities at least, but it is thought that it was scarcely