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pg a049a: Second annual report of the Geological Survey of Texas Publication 5235917-2.

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49

constituents of the soil is very great, so that its action is both chemical and physical. Its use is perhaps most beneficial when composted with organic manures or the greensand marls.

When the calcareous marls are soft enough to be easily powdered they may be applied as they are, and in this condition the action of the lime is much more gradual and of longer continuance. When they exist as harder rocks they will have to be burned before applying them.

Among the rocks of the Cretaceous series are many deposits which are especially adapted for use in this way. Localities are numerous in the divisions known as the Austin chalk and the Washita limestone which will afford a soft material well suited for the purpose.

It often happens that in the greensand beds themselves there are large deposits of fossil shells still in their original form as carbonate of lime. Where these occur the marl is of great value, as it contains that which will render it most valuable on such sandy lands as need it.

CLAYS.

Some of the Clays of East Texas will prove of value as fertilizers on account of the large amount of potash they contain—as high as five and six per cent in certain cases. While it is true that much of the potash is in chemical combination with silica, and therefore only soluble with difficulty, if composted with quicklime this substance will be rendered more soluble and prepared for plant food.

FICTILE MATERIALS.

Texas has not yet begun to take that place among the manufacturers of pottery and glassware which the character, quality and extent of the materials found within her borders render possible. For pottery making there exist clays adapted to every grade, from common jug ware and tiling through Yellow, Rockingham, C. C., White Granite or Iron Stone China, to China or Porcelain of the finest quality. Glass sands are also found of a high degree of purity, and many other materials of use or necessity in the manufacture of these various grades of goods are found here.

While the subject of clays has not yet received the attention that it is proposed to give it, numerous specimens have been secured and analyzed, with the result of proving the facts as stated above

Among the clays of the Division known as Coast Clays are some that will answer for the coarser stoneware, such as jugs, flower pots, drain

 

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