preservation, are imbedded in gray argillaceous strata, alternating with sandstone, and small coal seams, of, probably, the same geological age as the Drury coal. A considerable number of specimens from both localities will, by a future examination, furnish the opportunity for determining the principal features of the Flora of the Brown Coal Period in New Zealand.

The fossil gum found in the coal is a kind of “Retinite,” derived from a coniferous tree, perhaps related to the Kauri, but it is by no means identical with the Kauri Gum, which is only found in the surface soil in those localities where there has been kauri forests. The fossil gum and kauri gum are very different in their qualities, as the most simple experiments in their ignition will show.

The thickness of the forest and the inaccessibility of the country prevent our now ascertaining, in an exact manner, the extent of the Drury coal-field. Still, the existing openings show an extent of the coal-field quite large enough to encourage any Company to work the coal in an extensive manner.

I am glad to hear that a company, under the name of “The Waiheihoi Mining and Coal Company,” is formed, to begin the working of this coal.*)

The same kind of coal I saw again on the northern slope of Takapiri and Hakarimata range. At Kupakupa, on the left bank of the Waikato, I examined a beautiful seam about 150 feet above the level of the river. The thickness of the seam then exposed was about 15 feet; how much greater the thickness may be it is impossible to say, as the floor has never been uncovered.

This is the seam to which the attention of the inhabitants of Auckland was directed several years ago by my friend the Rev. A. G. Purchas. I believe several tons were at that time brought to Auckland; but, owing to various circumstances—the chief of which was the Native ownership—the hope of obtaining a supply from thence for Auckland was abandoned. No better position could, however, be found for mining purposes; and the day cannot be far distant when it will be worked, to supply fuel for the steam navigation of the Waikato—the main artery of the Province of Auckland.

I have reason to believe that a Coal Field of considerable extent exists on the borders of the wide plains on both sides of the Waikato, between Taupiri and Mangatawhiri—for which district, shut in on all sides by ranges, I propose the general geographical name of “The Lower Waikato Basin.”

A third coal-field exists on the Western and Southern boundaries of the very fertile alluvial plains above the junction of the Waipa and Waikato, which may be distinguished as “The Middle Waikato Basin”—the future granary of the Northern portion of this Island.

The localities in which coal has been discovered are the following:—in the Hohinipanga range, West of Karakariki on the Waipa; near Mohoapu and Waitaiheka, in the Hautura range on the upper branches of the Waipa; and again in the Whawharup and Parepare ranges on the Northern side of Rangitoto-mountains.

THE NEW ZEALAND BROWN COAL.

(*The following are the results of several analyses of specimens of the Drury Brown Coal, sent to England some months ago by Mr. Turnbull. The analyses have been forwarded to me by Mr. Farmer.

Laboratory, Museum of Practical Geology,
Jermyn-st, London, April 13, 1859.

Sir,—I have completed the analysis of the coal (lignite) which you left at the Museum, and herewith furnish you with the results of the examination.

I am, Sir,

Yours obediently,

Chas. TOWNSON.

Brown, Feb.

Per centage composition of Lignite, from Auckland.

Carbon ........................ 55.57
Hydrogen ...................... 4.13
Oxygen ........................ 15.57
Nitrogen ...................... 1.15
Sulphur ....................... 0.36
Ash ........................... 9.00
Water ......................... 14.12

100.09

Coke .......................... 39.78 per cent.

The amount of sulphur is small, and this will be a point for favourable consideration in the application of the coal for smelting purposes. The whole of the water is expelled at a temperature of 120° centigrade.

Dundee Gas Works,
March 17, 1859.

Analysis of Auckland Coal.

Produce of gas per ton of coal carbonized, 9,632 cubic feet.
Illuminating power of gas, 1.75.
Durability, the length of time that a 4-inch jet requires to consume a cubic foot of gas, 53 minutes.
Specific gravity, 493.
Produce of coke per ton, carbonized, 37 cwt.
(Signed) — Joseph F. Eyr.
Engineer Gas Company.

Gas Works, Berwick,
March 12, 1859.

NEW ZEALAND COAL.

Gas, in cubic feet, per ton of coal, 7817.
Coke, per ton of coal, in lbs.: 1358.
Tar and ammoniacal liquor, per ton of coal, in lbs., 371.
Value of gas, per ton of coal, in lbs. of sperm, 384.
One cubic foot of gas, burned in a No. 2 fishball burner (or union set), equal sperm candles, 8.13.
Value of one cubic foot of gas, in grains of sperm, 371.40.

Coke, friable, retains the granular structure of the coal; disintegrates when exposed to air; during combustion gives out little heat; and leaves a large mass of stone-coloured ash; specific gravity, 2.421.

Composition { Combustible matter ... 89.55
{ Silica and alumina ... 64.44
{ Protoxide of iron ...... 6.31

This coal is well adapted for the purpose of gas manufacture: the quantity produced is not large, but you will observe of a high quality, approaching several of the English cannel coals in illuminating power. The coke is of very inferior quality for heating purposes; but the quantity of iron share found in it is so great that it may possibly turn out to be a product of value.

JAMES PATTERSON,
Civil Engineer.

I subjoin comparative average analyses of the three principal kinds of fuel, from which it may be seen that the Drury Coal is precisely