Sara soa

| LIBR RARY ( OF CONGRESS. |
Chap ie ie ce A |

: 7 { J j ae
| ay | / (ane, CLs,
arta U U my we mK i m | ;
mm) ie iG im
N¢ rine Po

4
oy »* 7
a es i

oy aS we
4 - ltt

ra

ww wi , \
aay 3% P q ¥

ei ; by is }. Me " F
, ‘ i iy NA bie f

i

' Agee
Ave nel if
ied) ROAR

ida sh

a = With the Compliments of Dr. Charles U. Shepard, Jr.

SOUTH CAROLINA PHOSPHATES,

Petree | one

THE AGRICULTURAL SOCTEPY OF SOUTH: CAROLENA,

Chacheston. so; C:, Decemner 12; 1379,

BY

‘
Ceevhisks. WU, SHEPARD: Jr. Me De
NM
PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY IN THE MeEpicAL COLLEGE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
CHEMIST TO THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE OF SouTH CAROLINA, &c., &C.,

WITII

A MAP OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PHOSPHATIC DEPOSITS.

CHARLESTON: Sve
THE NEWS AND COURIER BOOK PRESSES.
1880.

Ne

SOUTH CAROLINA PHOSPHATES.

Ladies and Gentlemen—lIt is with extreme diffidence that
I appear before you to deliver an address on Carolina Phos-
phates. The subject is so familiar to Charlestonians, so
thoroughly understood in its various branches by many
whom I have the honor to recognize here, and yet so compre-
hensive in its scope—embracing both science and practice—
that I am very naturally at a loss how to approach it, and to
what aspects to confine myself.

It is because of this diversity of interest and information
on the part of many present, and for the sake of our guests
from the interior who may desire a general review of the en-
tire subject, that I ask your kind attention while I briefly
consider as many of the more important questions involved
in our topic as the limited time permits, begging your in-
dulgence if the matter presented savors too strongly of the
chemical laboratory.

THE GEOGRAPHICAL OCCURRENCE OF THE CAROLINA PHOS-—
EAGER S.

The coast of South Carolina presents few elevations of
consequence, it being very nearly flat. In the region where
the phosphates are found and worked, elevations of more
than twenty feet are rare; while generally the level of the
land is not more than ten feet above high water-mark. The
coast line is formed by a number of projecting islands and
peninsulas, separated by shallow, and sometimes broad, arms
of the sea, from each other and the mainland. The latter is
intersected by innumerable and generally sluggish streams,
whose water is either salt or brackish. The sources of these
rivers are found in the middle Counties of the State, or in

extensive and frequently wooded swamps, which occupy a
considerable part of the belt parallel to, and from ten to fifty
miles distant from, the coast. The tide rises and falls in
these streams for many miles from their mouths, their beds
being exceedingly tortuous and almost level. The generally
flat character of this section is conducive to the occurrence
of low and wet “ leads,” i. e., depressions stretching up from
the rivers and creeks, or from the marshes bordering the
same, towards and around the higher tracts, which are gen-
erally sandy and covered with a growth of pines. These
leads represent old water-courses and swamps. Their soil is
deep and rich in organic matter. In places 'they have been
drained naturally or artificially, are now dry, and have lost
much -of their old character; but are, nevertheless, easily
distinguished from the sandy tracts. Ata greater or less
depth from their surface, but ordinarily within a few feet,
‘occurs the phosphate rock. It is necessary to note, how-
ever, that the phosphate formation generally fails to occur
in those deep rice-field soils which consist of recent alluvial
deposits. If the rock is found under the higher sandy land,
its position is deep.

The effect of such a configuration of the country upon the
level of an easily movable deposit, as is that of the phos-
phatic nodules, can be readily understood. Where they
have been long exposed to the force of running water or
tides, the rounded masses have been gradually swept into
the deeper levels, and have thus accumulated in the streams
and bays, or they have been carried out into the ocean itself,
whither these waters tend.

The geologists inform us that material changes have
taken place in the elevation of this coast above the sea level ;
and abundant proof can be cited, that the shore lines have
not always occupied their present position. Thus tidal
action may have supplemented the force of river currents in
moving about the nodules, or again, in changing subsequent
formations, piling them up here or washing them away
there, and in this manner burying or denuding the phos-
phatic deposit. Such superficial changes, if on a very lim-

i

ited scale, as compared with the vast modification of the
earth’s crust so often observed in other sections, have been
sufficient to determine the accessibility of particular beds of
rock. By “accessibility” we mean the possibility of profit-
able excavations so far as depth is concerned. This, under
ordinary circumstances, would imply an average depth of
not exceeding six feet of superincumbent earth for the land
deposits, and for the marine or river beds not more than
twenty feet of water, with an exposure of the phosphate
rock on the bottom, or the supposition of only shallow
sands and mud upon it.

That must, indeed, bea very level formation, and one
which has exceptionally escaped subsequent disturbance,
which, despite its nodular character, fails to exhibit over any
considerable extent differences of level, greater than a few
feet. Nevertheless, phosphatic beds are found underlying
ten, twenty, or even hundreds of contiguous acres of land,
over the whole of which mining is carried on at a depth not
exceeding six feet, or forming the bottoms of broad and
shallow water-stretches at a tolerably constant depth. But
they constitute the exceptions; and naturally so, since the
sinking of the level a foot or more in the case of the land
deposits, or the accumulation toa like depth of mud or sand
on the river beds, may put them either partially or wholly
out of the category of accessible beds.

REE VACeB SS IBEE, PHOSPHATIC DEPOSITS.

Hence it follows that the outlines of any accessible bed of
rock, when accurately traced on paper, must present great
irregularity of contour; so also the attempt to delineate all
the deposits of our section isa task involving a great ex-
penditure of labor and time.

Whether a given bed of phosphate can be profitably
mined depends upon a number of conditions, natural and
artificial, as, for instance, in the case of the land deposits on—

1. The location of the tract as to the point of shipment
or consumption,

2. The facilities for removing the rock.

3. The supply of water, wood and labor.

4. The quality of the rock.

5. The extent, depth to and yield of the stratum.

6. The difficulties to be encountered on excavation; i. e.,

the character of the overlying earth, drainage, trees, &c.
In river beds on—

1. The location, both as regards commerce and health.

2. Depth of the water and liability to storms.

3. Thickness and character of the rock-bed.

4. The possible occurrence with the rock of troublesome
concomitants, in the shape of marl, oyster shells, &c.

5. Quality of rock, &e, ke:

With a view of better presenting the outlines of the re-
gions where the Carolina Phosphate occurs a¢ an accessible
depth, a map has been constructed under my directions by
Messrs. Simons & Howe, based on Mills’ Atlas of this State
and the Coast Survey’s charts. Copies of this chart may be
found in the State Capitol at Columbia, and in the Museum
of the College of Charleston. It embraces the results of
much field work; and constitutes, so far, the only attempt of
the kind.

In calling your attention to this enlarged and simpler
copy, (one adapted to the purposes of a lecture,) it may not
be amiss to repeat the caution that the space colored light red
designates those regions in which phosphate beds occur at
an accessible depth. By which is to be distinctly under-
stood, that it is only here and there in the colored portions
that accessible deposits are found. You will notice that
some parts of the rivers are traced in deep red. . This is to
signify that in those water-stretches, the rock-beds lie very
favorably for utilization. To the question, “ Why have not
the several deposits been fully defined?” it may be replied,
that complete surveys of the various mining properties have
been executed in but few instances, and that where made,
the owners are often averse to the publication of the results,

<x

The territory colored red on the map represents approxi-
mately two hundred and forty thousand acres, whereas we
roughly estimate the extent of the accessible deposits at
about ten thousand acres.

A cursory examination of the map shows that, the phos-
phatic deposits extend from the head-waters of the Wando
River and the Eastern branch of the Cooper, more or less
parallel to the coast line, and at a distance from it of say ten
to forty miles to the head-waters of Broad River. Although
this section embraces the territory of active operations,
whether of “prospecting” or economical development, it by
no means contains the entire formation, which certainly ex-
tends into North Carolina on the North, and probably as far
South as Florida; and has been observed in a few instances
in the interior, sixty miles and more from the coast.

Beginning at the Northeast, you perceive the Wando River
deposit, which has produced many thousand tons of small
nodular rock, dark in color, dense in structure, of a high grade,
and having mixed with it more fossil bones than have been
elsewhere found. This nodular layer has proved eminently
adapted for the use of tongs, while its thinness has prevent-
ed the remunerative employment of dredging machines.
Farther inland, occurs the phosphate bed of the Eastern
branch of the Cooper. This deposit contains a considerable
quantity of rock, richer towards the “T” (the junction of
the Eastern and Western branches,) and poorer, i. e., mixed
with more sand, towards its head-waters. ‘The extension of
this bed towards the Wando River is considerable in surface,
but thin. Owing to various causes, especially however, to
the difficulty of access, little has been accomplished in this
region.

Beginning on Back River, and stretching to the South
and West across the Ashley to the Stono River and Ran-
towle’s Creek, is the largest of all the various Carolina de-
posits. Land beds occur here and there throughout its wide
extent, many of them of very considerable size and of ex-
cellent quality, and some of them even now under success-
ful operation. It is especially in the region between the

8

Ashley and Stono Rivers that the deposit occurs over im-
mense tracts at a remarkably uniform depth—a circumstance

extremely favorable for mining operations.

The Stono River bed has been long regarded as a most
successful field for phosphate workers.. Here we have a
favorable depth of water, whether for dredging or “ tonging,”
a convenient proximity to this City, an excellent nodular
stratum readily worked, a quality of rock easily ground and
mixing kindly with acid. All these advantages have com-
bined to render the locality popular.

The Edisto deposits occur both in that river and on its.
banks. Asa rule the quality is fine, but the depth lacks
uniformity. Stretching across from the Edisto to the Ashe-
poo is a tract of country containing several more or less
isolated, but extremely rich beds.

At the head of St. Helena Sound, extending up Bull and
Coosaw Rivers, and underlying Chisolm’s Island between
them, is a body of rock which has contributed a large share
of the total yield of Carolina Phosphates. In this section,
especially, we witness the results of excellent management
and the abundant use of capital, superadded also to favor-
able natural advantages. Here has been no dearth of phos-
‘phates to be raised, nor can complaint be urged against
their quality. Nevertheless any one knowing the obstacles
overcome by the companies operating in this region will ad-
mit, that their success has been well deserved. .

About and below Beaufort occur a number of remarkably
heavy beds of phosphate; but unfortunately they are gene-
rally of an inferior grade, and must await, for utilization,
better times and the exhaustion of richer deposits.

The other beds, whether represented on this map or not,
do not deserve special mention in this enumeration, which is
only intended to direct your attention. to the prominent
divisions of the deposit at large.

PHYSICAL BROPERT LES:

The most prominent characteristic of the Carolina Phos-
phate is its nodular form. Even where the deposit occurs

9)

as an apparently smooth and compact floor, or in large flat
cakes, it is nevertheless composed of irregular nodules, par-
tially cemented or tightly compacted together. The shape of
the nodules is egg or kidney-form. The exterior is rough
and indented, often perforated or even honey-combed by
round or irregular holes and cavities, or it is smooth and
compact. The surface is occasionally shiney and coated, as
it were, with an enamel. The masses are wholly devoid of
crystalline structure or cleavage, exhibiting occasionally,
however, an imperfect lamination. Well preserved casts of
Eocene shells occur throughout the phosphate rock; and
fossil fish-bones and teeth are not unfrequently found em-
bedded in them. The nodules vary in size from a fraction
of an inch to several feet in diameter; in weight from almost
a ton downwards. The specific gravity of the dry and clear
rock varies from 2.2 to 2.5, the average being about 2.4.
The color of the land rock is generally lighter than that
found under water or marsh-mud ; the former having a yel-
lowish or grayish-white color, the latter a gray or bluish
black. The hardness of the average rock varies from 3.5 to
4. The masses are easily broken and readily ground to a
fine powder, whose color is light yellow or gray; and whose
fineness may allow of its floating in air (the so-called “dust ”).
The structure of the rock is so porous, that when previously
hot-air dried, it can absorb from five to fifteen per cent. of
water. Carolina Phosphate gives on friction of its fresh sur-
faces, a peculiar fetid odor, termed by some naphthous.
This property is, as a rule, the more decided the denser the
structure, and the higher the content of organic matter.

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS.

The phosphate rock of our section can hardly be termed

a mineral species, lacking that essential claim to such con-

sideration—uniformity of composition. Not only do the

several beds differ in this respect, but even in the same

locality, it is easy to distinguish by the eye marked varia-

tions of color and structure; and when the separate masses
9

10

are subjected to chemical examination, the difference is still
more apparent. But viewing the subject from a commercial
stand-point, equally important factors must enter into the
question. We are obliged to regard in any body of rock its
cleanness, i. e., how thoroughly it has been washed free from
the sand, clay or mud in which it occurred; and its dryness,
i.e., how much water or moisture has been permitted to re-
main in its cavities.

Since we are unable to present a typical composition for
the South Carolina Rock, we must content ourselves with a
general statement of the average amount of each of its more
important constituents, premising of course, that we are
considering clean and dry samples of what may be regarded
as fair to excellent qualities. As the result of many hun-
dred analyses, the following percentages may be given :

Perict, ‘Benict

Phosphoric acid: Gh). 2:c0hefe ae eee eee 25 toves
Carbonic acid (@). sc qos cee eee fs vag Yel Ee 5
Sulphuric, acid, 9) « - are eee een eee is to, 42
Limes Foi eas Sp acta rae eee eee ae 35 tO. Az
Magnesia. shiciukenn cov A tese eee ene eee eae traces:to.” 12
Avkinmgiia. oc «90 hte sce) Sep tees Moe Reg eee ee do. toa #2
Sesquieoscide sol: 1600s; 5,:.. ee ee eee le «oe I tO: «fh
Plone wicise ao). 3 A eee & . I tor 2
Seale Chr Sw Cane 5 fGen eI 6 yoo 4 tO» <ike
Organic matter and combined water......... 2 tor 8
NRG Shige see ee nm CS a i are % to 4

(1) Equivalent to bone phosphate of lime 55 to 61 per
cent.
(2) Equivalent to carbonate of lime 5 to II per cent.

In addition to the ingredients mentioned, sodium, chlorine
and occasionally other elements occur in small quantities.
Iron-pyrites, rarely found beyond one per cent., is included
under the estimate of sulphuric acid and sesqui-oxide of
iron. The organic matter is nitrogenous, containing occa-
sionally as high as a quarter per cent. nitrogen.

11

THICKNESS AND YIELD OF-THE PHOSPHATIC STRATUM.

The thickness of the nodular stratum varies from a few
to almost thirty inches—the ‘latter depth being very rarely
observed. Ordinarily it is from six to fifteen inches, and
averages about eight. Where the deposit exceeds fifteen
inches in thickness, the depth rarely extends beyond a
limited area, and is generally due to a local accumula-
tion, or it is the result of the accidental superposition of
a few large nodules. The yield per acre of clean and dry
rock varies from three hundred to twelve hundred tons.
Instances have been noted of a greater yield, but these were
probably in every case quite limited and exceptional. Under
ordinary circumstances of occurrence and quality, deposits
of less than five hundred tons to the acre do not prove re-
munerative. The average yield of land-beds now worked
is seven to eight hundred tons to the acre.

The yield per acre stands in a certain ratio to the thick-
ness of the stratum; but not invariably so, as the compact-
ness of the phosphatic seam plays an important part in
determining the amount of production.

The remarks made in explanation of the map indicate
how uncertain must be the attempt to estimate, even ap-
proximately, the quantity of phosphate rock in South Caro-
lina, which, at the average price in the past, might be profit-
ably raised.

When an accurate and comprehensive survey of the entire
region has established the extent of the beds, their yield per
acre, their quality and the cost of excavation and delivery on
ship-board or alongside the factory, #iez will it be possible
to answer this question.

Nevertheless, since others have not hesitated to express
their individual estimates of this quantity, it may be proper
for one who has given no little time to explorations in the
field to record his opinion also.

As to the result of my field-work, and the calculations
based thereon, I should say that the total yield of all the
known phosphatic deposits of South Carolina, of merchant-

12

able quality and accessible position, would not exceed five
million tons.

THE EXCAVATION OF DHE LAN D=DEPOSITS:

Pick and shovel suffice for the working of the land-beds.
The usual procedure is the following:

A trench is dug across or on the side of the tract to be
mined—the natural drainage of the field being kept in view.
This is carried below the nodular stratum, and serves as the
starting point of operations. The superincumbent soil and
earth is thrown behind the laborers, the rock-bearing seam
in front on the undisturbed soil, whence it is put in cars or
carts to be dragged by steam or mules, usually over an iron
road, to the “washers.” The manual labor is performed by
blacks, under the supervision of whites; and if at times un-
reliable, is with proper management, quite satisfactory. The
blacks are usually employed on “task” work; and under
ordinary circumstances, produce half a ton of rock to the
man, per diem.

When trees or stumps are encountered, they are usually
undermined; and then pulled over upon the excavated side
of the trench. Owing to the level character of the country,
it frequently occurs that ordinary ditching is inadequate for
maintaining the trenches in a condition sufficiently dry for
uninterrupted work; .and consequently steam-pumps have
been of late introduced to overcome this difficulty.

The separation of the rock from the accompanying earth,
and its thorough cleansing from adhering matter, is effected
by subjecting it to a preliminary washing in an inclined, per-
forated iron cylinder or trough (a step rarely resorted to),
and a coarse crushing, either under the blows of a sledge or
by machinery which regulates the size of the fragments with
but little pulverization. It is then treated to a thorough
cleansing in long “washers,” constructed of wood or iron, in
whose axis revolves a shaft armed with projecting steel teeth,
which slowly move the nodules up the inclined bed of the

15

trough, and against a copious (descending) stream of water.
Or a “cylindrical washer” is employed, consisting of a rotary
cylinder, to whose sides are attached spiral flanges of iron,
and through whose axis runs a perforated pipe, distributing
a powerful stream of water. The flanges keep the rock roll-
ing, and all the while slowly ascending the inclined tube.

These arrangements permit the rock, as it becomes free
from adhering matter, to be brought in contact with fresh
portions of water. From the upper end of the washer the
clean rock falls out upon an iron grating, which separates
the masses of a proper size from the finer stuff (the so-called
“tailings,” frequently containing coarse gravel). The clean
rock is transported in cars or barrows to the receiving or
drying sheds. The capacity of a washing machine is fifty
tons or more per diem of ten hours, according to its size
and the character of the seam of rock being mined.

HOW THE RIVER; BEDS ARE WORKED.

The phosphatic deposits situated in the river beds, or on
the bottoms of the extensive and shallow arms of the sea so
frequently met with on this coast, are covered by only a few
feet of water, or they may lie at greater depths, and occasion-
ally under layers of sand and mud. The manner of their ex-
cavation depends on the depth of water and the nature of
the deposit.

EEAIN Dy PICKING,

When the depth of water is not too great—some deposits
running dry at low water—the rock is loosened by crowbar
and pick, and then thrown into flat-bottomed scows, capable -
of carrying a few tons. There being no superincumbent
stratum to be removed, it is sometimes possible for a gang
of three or four laborers to obtain a boat-load in two tides,
by commencing operations a couple of hours before low
water, when the water is waist deep, and continuing their
work for a like period after the turning of the tide. The

14

localities favorable for this description of mining are few,
and are best worked during the summer months; but they
have yielded an immense quantity of rock at a moderate
cost.

The boat-loads are discharged either at the shore or along-
side large lighters; and the rock is subsequently crushed and
washed in the usual manner. The oyster shells and other
foreign matter, which are occasionally found in these shallow
beds, are carefully thrown aside.-

Other deposits lie too deep to allow of their being worked
after this fashion; but are within the reach of oyster-tongs,
which grasp and raise the nodules if they are loose.

Or, again, it is not unusual to observe the laborers diving
into water six to ten feet in depth, and bringing in their hands
to the surface masses of rock of such size as to require the
strength of two men to place them in the flats.

It was an exciting spectacle some years since, to witness
the hundred phosphate-flats moored closely together, near
the confluence of the North and South Wimbee Creeks,
teeming with blacks, naked and vociferating, brandishing
their tongs and poles, or swimming about in the surrounding
water. The low, marshy banks, dotted with palmetto clumps,
formed the background to a picture that suggested some of
Stanley’s African experiences.

DREDGING.

A very considerable part of the Carolina Phosphate is ex-
cavated by dredging boats from deeper waters, where it lies
bare on the bottom, or sometimes covered with several feet
of sand and mud. These powerful machines work best in
about twelve feet of water, but have been employed in
double that depth. Their strength is adequate to tear up
the thickest and hardest phosphate beds. Under favorable
circumstances, they can daily raise one hundred tons of rock.
The “dipper” of the dredging machine empties its load of
rock, marl, mud and sand on a grating, or into a preliminary
conical “washer,” where it is subjected to a heavy stream of

U5

water, which carries off the greater part of the mud and sand,
thereby enabling the operatives to detect any pieces of marl,
sandstone or oyster shells that may be mixed with the rock.
These are picked out and cast aside. The partially cleaned
rock then falls, or is cast by machinery, into a “crusher,”
and thence into the second “washer,” where the fragments
are thoroughly cleansed from remaining impurities. The
washing apparatus employed in the preparation of the
river rock consists of either upright and cauldron-shaped,
or the “shaft” washers previously described. They dis-
charge the washed rock upon lighters for transportation to
the drying sheds, where it is heaped upon and around a
system of perforated iron pipes, which conduct hot air
(driven from an oven by a fan) through every part. A few
days’ continuous drying is sufficient to expel all the moisture
from the originally saturated rock.

FHlot-air-dricd cargoes constitute more than half of the
rock now delivered in South Carolina; and the fact that the
local fertilizer factories are supplied with the means of dry-
ing their purchases of phosphate has alone prevented the
yet more general adoption of this practice. Where these
appliances do not exist, resort is had to sun-drying, i.e., ex-
posure to the hot sun and subsequent storing under sheds—
a method limited in its applicability and unreliable.

A simple heaping up, though it be under cover, does not
suffice to expel all the absorbed water, not even when the
rock is allowed to remain in pile for a long period. The
whole mass may contain several percentum of moisture, not-
withstanding the surface of the heap appears quite dry.

Finally the rock may be “screened,” i.e., rolled over a
sieve, before its shipment. This step in the preparation—
unfortunately seldom carried out—separates a considerable
quantity of finely broken material.

PEE PRICE AND? PROPEL

The price of South Carolina Phosphate naturally varies
according to the usual conditions of supply and demand ;

16

but it has been also unnecessarily and unfortunately affect-
ed by a lack of concert on the part of the wealthier corpora-
tions engaged in mining the rock, and by the exigencies of
the needy, who have been forced to sell their product as fast
as raised, in consequence of an inability to hold it for better
times.

The price has ranged of late years from five to eight dol-

lars—averaging about six dollars per ton. The foreign pur-
chases are based almost wholly on the content of bone
phosphate of lime, as reckoned from the percentum of phos-
phoric acid, at a stipulated price per unit, or at a guaranteed
percentum, usually fifty-five per cent. of bone phosphate.
The domestic transactions are, on the contrary, very lax,
being frequently free from all conditions as to cleanliness
and moisture—a round sum per ton constituting the trade.
With advancing experience in the business, and a closer at-
tention to economy, the American buyers must discover that
it is suicidal to disregard the chemical composition of the
basis of their products, which are sold on the percentage of
an ingredient derived from it.

Contrary to expectation, it has been found that few en-
gage in raising our rock have reaped any profit; and, it may
be added, that many have met only with loss and failure.
There were many lessons to be learned and much costly ex-
perience to be gained. An entire ignorance of the mining
operations, the difficulties of a new system of labor (the
industry having been established during the troublous Re-
construction period), an inadequate appreciation of the com-
mercial and chemical requirements, a lack of capital, and
high prices for freights and materials—all these and yet
other drawbacks, told against the pioneers.

Next possibly to the generally unexpected decline in the
English consumption, the greatest obstacle of late years toa
thrifty condition of the phosphatic industry has been the
vacillating legislation on this subject by the General Assem-
bly of the State. Unfortunate as this has been in its direct
results, there is no question that a fear of what form such
adverse action might assume has restricted the investment
of capital in lands and mining operations.

17

As arule, it has cost less to mine the river beds; but, as
the more accessible ones approach exhaustion, the advan-
tage will probably favor the land deposits. Hitherto the
companies operating in the rivers have especially enjoyed
the popular reputation of success; but, owing to great ex-
penses and competition at home and abroad, it is to be
feared that the profits have been small in all but a very few
instances, whether on land or water. If we were able to
ascertain the total amount of money that has been invested
in lands, machinery and working capital during the prosecu-
tion of mining operations, and then that of the actual divi-
dends and profits earned, it is to be apprehended that the
exhibit would be far from encouraging.

A year ago, when the annual production exceeded two hun-
dred thousand tons, and the demand was excellent, it seemed
possible for both the land and river mining companies to
clear a reasonable, not to say handsome, profit. Unhappily,
as all know, this state of affairs was of short duration.

No one, however, will question the advantages that have
accrued to the State from the large payments in royalty,
nor those enjoyed by thousands who have found in this in-
dustry a profitable employment or support. The total
royalty of one dollar per ton, received by the State on the
production from the river beds (as kindly communicated by
the Comptroller-General), amounted on the Ist of Septem-
ber, 1879, to $546,965.75.

The total production to date of all the Cries deposits
may be safely estimated at almost one million five hundred
thousand tons, which, valued at six dollars per ton, would
represent $9,000,000 received and generally retained, in this
State.

There are rich:and poor in phosphate mining as in other
things. Some of the companies have expended from one-
half to a million of dollars in the purchase of lands and the
equipment of their “‘plants.” Their works, when in full
‘operation, give employment to several hundred hands each;
and are models of order and adaptation. There are also not
a few operating on the river beds, under the new license law,

»
vo

is

Who bring little else to the work than their own energy, and,
perhaps, the outfit of a small phosphate craft. All have
been equally rich in expectations.

Among the advantages possessed by the South Carolina
Phosphates are:

1. That most of the phosphate beds have convenient
points of shipment for whole cargoes, or the rock may be for-
warded from Charleston, Port Royal, or Savannah, at a lower
rate, in ballast under cotton. Some of these ports have suffi-
cient water for ships of two thousand tons burden, while the
rest are generally situated on streams navigable for schooners
and other light draft vessels. A few miners use the railroads
crossing the phosphate belt for the transportation of their
product to deep water.

2. The proximity of the beds to the field of greatest con-
sumption on this continent, viz: The Southeastern States,
which annually consume over two hundred thousand tons
of commercial fertilizers. As competition reduces the profit
on the manufactured articles, it will be found necessary to
manipulate the crude rock here, thus avoiding the expense

oi two freights on the phosphate.

‘3, Commercial phosphatic manures consist very general-
ly of superphosphates (i. e., ground phosphates treated with
sulphuric acid), containing from ten to thirteen per cent.
soluble phosphoric acid, to which may be added ammonia-
cal matter and potash salts.

For the manufacture of such articles the South Carolina
Phosphate Rock excels, and for the following reasons: It is
cheap. It is remarkably free from gangue rock and other
impurities. It is readily ground to that impalpable fineness
which is indispensable for its complete decomposition by
sulphuric acid. It contains little flouride of calcium, and
consequently yields on its treatment with acid, less noxious
fumes than is the case with apatitic phosphates. The super-
phosphate made from it dries readily, and is light in color
and weight. It may be easily made to contain the amount
of soluble phosphoric acid required in commerce, and this in-

—

19

gredient is subject to less reversion than takes place in most
of its competitors.

4. Its physical structure and chemical composition favor
its resolution (without the intervention of sulphuric acid) by
the natural solvents of the soil; and consequently the assimi-
lation of its constituents by plants takes place more rapidly
and effectually than occurs with most other mineral phos-
phates.

Pata O SiON TOR Tie NCCESSIBIEE: BEDS ANID s IpeUr iesken =
CAM TON “Oe Hie UW NIDE RG YUN Gest ReAgiAG

The ordinary occurrence of the superficial beds of phos-
phate—those now worked—may be thus stated:

A—Land Deposits.
I. Sol and Subsoiti—A few inches to a foot in depth.

Il. aA Light-colored Siliceous Clay, iron stained in places,
and containing much fine transparent sand and minute scales
of silvery mica, with little calcareous matter—One foot or
more in thickness.

Il]. (Wanting in the more superficial beds)—A Blue
Argillaceous (clayey) Marl, probably altered marsh mud. _ It
does not adhere to the tongue or give an argillaceous odor.
Fragments of recent shells occur in this deposit—Its depth
is about two feet.

IV. dA Shin Layer of Coarse Sand—One to three inches
in depth.

V. Lhe Phosphate Nodules, in either a loose siliceous ora
tenaceous, bluish or rich buff colored argillaceous marl, fre-
quently accompanied with abundant fossil bones and teeth.
The upper nodules are often harder, the lower softer, and at
some land localities exhibit a gradual transition, by loss of
cohesion and decrease of phosphatic content, into

VI. A Marl, highly phosphatic towards the rock-bed,

20

and occasionally containing twenty to thirty per centum of
phosphates, but at the depth of a few inches containing
only ten to twenty per centum of those constituents.

VII. Argillaceous or Arenaceous (sandy) Marts, contain-

ing seven to ten percentum of phosphates.

B—kiver Deposits.
Beneath the river deposits occur either

I. A Gray Mar/—Sometimes in nodules resembling phos-
phate, with five per centum of phosphates, underlaid by

II. A white hard marl, enclosing phosphatic grains, and
containing three to five per centum of phosphates ( Wando
River): or

I. A Green Sand—With some clay, and rich in black
phosphatic grains, occurring with and beneath the phosphatic
rock containing fifteen per centum of phosphates.

~

Il. Soft and Hard Marls—Several feet in thickness, and
containing ten to fifteen per centum of phosphates ( Stono

River); or

I. Hard Marls—Poor in phosphates, (one-half to one per
centum) unless their tops be coated with phosphate rock.
( Coosaw River.)

DEPTH OF OCCURRENCE OF Di UPPER DEPOSIT OF BEoOs—
ETAT S:

The depthSat which the upper nodular phosphatic stratum
occurs are variable. In some places the bed crops out in
the top soil; in others it is found at ten to twenty feet, and
even greater distances (under this City at sixty to seventy
feet) from the surface. Whether the nodules underlie the
whole of the region between the various known beds can be
determined only by an extensive and costly system of
borings, as yet not attempted, and probably never will be,

21
unless at the expense of the State government. Hitherto
whatever information has been gained in regard to this re-
markable deposit, so full of interest to the people of this
State, and to Science, is due to private enterprise. Thus
far not a single investigation towards the solution of the
scientific questions involved, has been instituted at the ex-
pense of the State.

It may be added that it seems probable, even where in
this region the customary prospecting has failed to reveal
the existence of the phosphate deposit at easily obtainable
depths, deeper, explorations might lead to their discovery,
excepting, however, those sections where moving water has
removed the nodules.

UNEQUAL CONTENT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID IN DIFFERENT
PARTS TORE SAME. NO©DUIEE, OReVIASS:

A marked difference in the content of phosphoric acid
between the upper and lower surfaces of the same flat mass,
or between the rind and coreof the same phosphate rock,
is frequently to be observed. ‘There occur in company with
the ordinary commercial phosphate, especially in the Coosaw
and Bull Rivers, large masses of marl, several inches toa
foot in thickness, presenting the same fossils as the phos-
phate rock and the underlying marl, whose top is covered
with a coating of phosphate, and whose inferior side is
chemically almost identical with the ordinary marl. Be-
tween the physical and chemical characteristics of the two
sides there is a gradual transition.

At some localities—as in the Ashepoo region—where flat
cakes of rock lie so compactly together as to form an almost
unbroken floor, the dissimilarity between the top and _bot-
tom of the bed is very striking. The former, which is the
richer of the two in phosphoric acid, is smooth and “enam-
eled;”’ the latter granular, jagged and honey-combed with
cavities that penetrate almost to the top of the deposit.

Again, certain nodules, of not unfrequent occurrence, ex-
hibit a noticeable difference as regards the content of phos.

22

phoric acid in the superficial layers and the core. Actual
investigation has demonstrated that the shiney enamel-like
rind contains several per centum more of phosphates than
the centre. This difference is more marked in those no-
dules whose internal portion is less compact than the ex-
ternal. In these cases there is far more carbonate of lime
within, occasionally approximating it to the marl itself.

THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE STRATA UNDERLYING
THE PHOSPHATIC LAVERS BREVIOUSEY DESCRIBED:

Several opportunities have been afforded during the past
ten years for securing specimens of the deeper lying forma-
tions, in consequence of the boring of a number of Artesian
Wells in this City and neighborhood.

The samples thus collected have been carefully examined
and analyzed; the most important contribution to our
knowledge being the discovery of the existence of several
deeper layers of phosphate rock occurring to the depth of
three hundred feet from the surface, and in the form of
isolated pebbles to a much greater distance. These lower
deposits are probably not thicker than a few inches, and con-
sequently they lack all but scientific interest.

tHe SOURCE OF THE PHOSPHORIC SACrD CONANT DD SaEy
TE WI PPERS BE DOr CANO AS PITOSPEUAG ES:

It is clearly beyond the scope of this lecture to enter into
a discussion of the many interesting theories that have been
advanced by different scientific men concerning the geology
of the South Carolina nodular phosphatic deposit. Various
suppositions have been propounded in regard to its origin.

At this moment, with the additional light shed by recent
observations, I am inclined to accept the opinion advanced
by that enthusiastic student, Professor Francis 5. Holmes; for
a fuller account of whose views I must refer you to his pamph-
let published in 1870. (The Phosphate Rocks of South
Carolina; their History* and Development, raneis SS
Holmes, Holmes’ Book-House, Charleston, 1870.)

dea

ae

Professor Holmes regarded the nodular phosphates as
detached masses of Eocene marl, torn off by the action of
waves from the great mass of this formation, and swept in-
land over the sand bars, which (as also the great marl bed)
were covered by the waters of the ocean, to be deposited in
those shallow bays and salt water lakes that are now the
phosphatic region of South Carolina. I will not dwell on
his fundamental argument, viz: that the internal structure
of the marl and the phosphate is identical, containing (as
they do) the same casts of fossil shells and the same remains
of marine vertebrates embedded in them, but proceed to the
consideration of his views concerning the phosphatization of
these masses.

Professor Holmes advanced the theory that, on the eleva-
tion of the shore of this continent, these salt water bays or
lakes became lagoons frequented by land animals, whose
feeces and remains, augmented by those of others transported
by various streams into the same receptacle, were the cause
of the conversion of the carbonate of lime, constituting the
marl masses, into the highly phosphatic character of the no-
dular rock which we mine.

We find occurring with the phosphatic stratum, du¢ never
zmbedded in the nodules, the teeth and bones of a number of
species of land animals, some of them now extinct, viz:
those of the mastodon, elephant, horse, deer, megatherium,
rhinoceros, tapir and others. Frequent are the osseous re-
mains and coprolites of many extinct marine animals, some
of them of great size, viz: those of several species of sauri-
ans, sharks and whales, whose deposition must date back to
the period when comparatively deep salt water covered this
region.

If we regard the beds of phosphate from a chemical stand-
point, we may find additional proof in support of these opin-
ions.

The decomposition of a mass of animal remains superim-
posed upon the marl-nodules, would cause the production of
carbonic acid and the solution of the phosphates originally
contained in the animal matter, in water percolating through

24

the layer. As this solution penetrated into the carbonate
of lime of the marl masses below, the phosphoric acid would
be detained there, and the carbonic acid, whether of the
original solution or of the marl, would be carried off. Under
such circumstances we should expect to find the greatest
phosphatization at the point of contact; and such is the
case, it having been remarked that the top of the stratum—
especially when it formed a floor and has been but slightly
disturbed—is the richest in phosphoric acid, and where the
marl occurred in nodular masses the rind is richer than the
core.

Again, this theory explains the gradual transition from
hard phosphate rock, through soft rock to the feebly phos-
phatized marl, which is itself much richer in phosphates
than the parent Eocene marl occurring at greater depths
below. This phosphatization was accompanied by a hard-
ening of the previously softer marl masses, which became
denser in proportion to the completeness of the change; it
cemented together contiguous masses, giving rise to the
more or less continuous phosphatic floor before alluded to,
and penetrating below produced curious projections on the
rock-bed, by the chemical conversion of accumulations of
marl which had filled up irregularities in the top of the
underlying stratum.

Tah DEBPERV PHOSPHATIC SPO Simdis:

The occurrence of other nodular phosphatic layers at
ereater depths has been mentioned, and we are forced to
seek some other explanation for their production.

In the case of these deeper strata we have unquestionably
to do with a concentration, by chemical agencies, of the
phosphates contained in the surrounding marls, into more
or less isolated masses or layers. Similar concretionary
processes have been observed in the production of flint peb-
bles and nodules in the chalk of England. In fact, phos-
phoric acid exhibits a special proneness to concentrate
whatever it is sparsely distributed through a formation per-

i

2
we

mitting such interpenetration. The vehicle most favorable
for the exercise of this tendency is carbonic acid, either sim-
ply dissolved in water or contained in an aqueous solution
of alkaline and alkaline earthy salts.

Repeated analyses, executed in my laboratory, of the
waters of the deep strata beneath our feet, have demonstra-
ted the presence of this medium, as also of phosphoric acid
in the waters of certain levels.

These facts would appear as sufficient grounds for the
opinion that:

The deeper strata of phosphatic masses are the result of a
concentration by carbonic acid of the phosphates sparsely dis-
tributed through the overlying mars.

In this connection I will mention an observation made at
Sineath’s Station in the case of the deeply occurring phos-
phatic nodules and pebbles, viz: that they lie beneath
layers of argillaceous marl. The inference is that these last
were muddy bottoms, receiving (phosphatic) animal matter
from shore and sea, and that they subsequently underwent
a lixivation into the underlying stratum, similar to that be-
fore described as occurring in the great upper deposit, which
converted the Eocene nodules into phosphate rock.

Where the phosphatic masses are a fine sand or pebbles,
presenting every appearance of having been subjected to
rolling and attrition, there seems no other explanation than
that they were once lying at the bottom or sloping shore of
the ocean, and were afterwards covered by subsequent forma-
tions.

TEE LIOR VT Ors PEE: DISCOVERY:

Neither is it my intention to dwell on the history of the
discovery and utilization of the South Carolina phosphatic
deposits, more than to direct your attention anew to the
fact, already noted in the literature on the subject, that
their value was surmised even before the war, and that their

4

2g

manipulation was prevented before and immediately after
that struggle, only by fortuitous circumstances.

Interesting as the topic is, its due treatment would neces-
sarily tax your patients, and any cursory review of the
claims advanced in favor of the several gentlemen who are
credited with having first discovered the existence and value
of these beds would be eminently improper on such an oc-
casion. The subject has frequently appeared on the pages
of various papers and pamphlets, and to them I would direct
you for your instruction and judgment.

THE PRESENT DEPRESSION:

But, on the other hand, it seems quite appropriate to call
your attention to the present depressed condition of the
phosphatic industry; and to consider the possibility of its
recovery, as also what measures would appear to conduce to
that desired end.

The cause of the general depression in South Carolina
Phosphates was unquestionably over-production. The im-
mediate occasion was a decline in the English consumption,
the result of agricultural disasters in that country. It is
well known that the condition of the English farmer has
been rapidly passing from bad to worse during the past few
years. To hard times, high rents, increased taxation, the
extensive importation of American agricultural products
and their sale at a price which defied competition, were ad-
ded unpropitious seasons and scanty crops. The farmers
became dispirited, and shrank from outlays for commercial
fertilizers that previously had been regarded as essential ;
and the dealers were disinclined any more to put out their
wares on the customary long credit.

This condition had been gradually developing for some
time; but it was a most disastrous harvest that created the
panic and brought matters to a crisis. Manufacturers of
fertilizers became alarmed; they seriously questioned the
ability of the farmers to pay for what they had received, and
doubted the safety of maintaining their production. They

were disposed to ask the cessation or reduction of existing
contracts for crude phosphates, much less were they willing
to assume new ones. A stagnation in the phosphate market
followed of course, with a tumble of prices. Phosphates less
popular than the Carolina went begging in vain for a pur-
chaser at any price, while our own severely felt the shock.
A few high grade articles would appear to have suffered only
a reduction of price, not of quantity. Foreign shipments
fell off, and phosphate rock was thrown in large quantities
on the American market at its worst season. Some richer
or more favorably situated companies have continued their
mining operations, although generally on a reduced scale.
But the production, on the whole, was suddenly and very
materially checked; and it has been found desirable to er-
tirely stop several works.

The prices now obtained cannot cover the average cost of
production and the interest on money invested; and it
would be simply a question of capital, how long many of
the miners could stand the trial. The objection may be
urged that parties are to-day willing to raise rock from the
river beds of the State for sale at the current rates. This
fact cannot be denied; but, while they are attempting an ex-
periment which is likely to prove calamitous to themselves,
they are inflicting an incalculable injury on the entire phos-
phatic industry of the State, by maintaining the existing
depressed price, and at the same time, in most instances, by
lowering the reputation of our rock, in consequence of their
inability to properly prepare it,

Let us not delude ourselves with the belief that Carolina
Phosphates encounter no serious competition in the markets
of Great Britain, or even of our own country. Under the
favorable conditions obtaining but a few months ago, there
seemed to be room for all similar materials. But now, when
the demand has shrunk to very limited dimensions, we must
necessarily feel the pressure of high grade articles which
naturally take precedence over ours, and to the extent of
their production, occupy the market. Never was the im-
portance so manifest of not only maintaining whatever re-

28

putation for grade we may have earned, but of increasing it
by the utmost attention to the quality and preparation of
our rock. In the early days of this industry, incalculable
damage was done by the shipment of dirty cargoes, from
which it has cost years of effort to recover. It is true that
outside opinions as to the success (or the lack of it) of
business ventures are apt to be fallacious; but the statement
may be risked, that in no case has prosperity favored any
company or individual engaged in large sales of improperly
prepared rock.

An unusually abundant harvest and the sensible retreat of
hard-times in the country at large, promise an increased
home demand for phosphates. Their consumption is spread-
ing rapidly not only throughout the Southern, but also the
Eastern and Central States, wherever long continued tillage
has told on the natural fertility of the soil. Ina few years
we may expect a domestic demand for commercial manures
not inferior to that which heretofore obtained in Great
Britain.

Greater attention to agricultural interests, the realization
of promised reforms in rent, and the wider appreciation of
the necessity of the continued phosphatic enrichment of the
soil must, perhaps slowly, but nevertheless surely, restore
the English market to its former state. Meanwhile other
competitors are either suffering in common with ourselves,
or, in the case of the few preferred ones, are gradually ex-
hausting their supply.

Let us avoid too large an accumulation of mined phos-
phate, which puts us at the mercy of the buyer, by limiting the
supply tothe demand. Let us devote greater attention to
quality and preparation, thereby retaining our old customers
and gaining new ones; and finally, let us live in the hope
that an enlightened policy on the part of the State govern-
ment may seek to support a struggling industry, rather than,
by the imposition of new burdens, repel the, introduction
of fresh capital and crush out what vitality remains.

It is indeed a mine of wealth—this great phosphatic de-
posit ; not only to every farmer who makes judicious use of

29

its products, but also to the State (if properly guarded) ;
and to those who will apply to its development the experi-
ence of other mining industries. It is, however, no treasure
heap, into which all may plunge with the certainty of gain.
It is, and will continue to be, the field for the prudent capi-
talist, and the industrious laborer. Others had better not
tempt the fate that surely follows a misconception of the
difficulty of dealing with so close a margin of profit.

In conclusion, I thank you for the courteous attention
with which you have listened to my remarks; and will only
express the hope that the development of the phosphate
beds may contribute alike to Science and the continued
prosperity of the State.

NOTES TO sbrhe Witar.

The ved-Lined spaces designate the regions in which phosphate beds occur

at an accessible depth.

The fudll-red shading in the river courses indicates the position of favorably

situated river deposits.

Grateful acknowledgment is herewith made for valuable assistance by
Mr. George M. Wells and the late Mr. Wm. Hume Simons, during the con-

struction of this map.

a eee

Se Rn NN ES

selma cae cecil

|
4
u
}

St. Helena Isld.

| ee

ae > 2 =
\_ (een se JES) f/ (Sy
Si AR IY VAR

Sees, SK C RAS

=§) \ OF PARTS OF
ae 7 CHARLESTON, COLLETON & BEAUFORT
COUNTIES, S.C.

Compiled from various sources

Scale 4 Miles = 1 Inch

BY

SIMONS & HOWE
Civil Engineers.

The hed color indicates the regions where the decesstble Beds occur
according lo the explorations of CHARLES UPHAM SHEPARD Sh,

JULIUS BIEN, PHOTO LITH N.Y

( if i

ae