Reports of explorations and surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean: Vol. 5, Pt. 2

ARTICLE VI.
CHEMICAL EXAMINATIONS OF SOILS AND INCRUSTATIONS.
BY J. D. EASTER, PH. D.
WASHINGTON, November 14, 1855.
SIR: Enclosed I have the pleasure of transmitting to you the results of my examination of
the specimens of rocks, soils, salts, &C., placed in my hands by you for analysis. I have limited
myself, in regard to the character of the examination, chiefly by the schedule furnished me and
your written instructions. The numbers are those attached to the labels, and are cited in the
order of examination.
I remain, very respectfully, yours,
WM. P. BLAKE,
Geologtst U.S. Pacfic Railroad Survey.
No. -. Limestone from the Tejon Pass.
Contains a considerable quantity of silica.
Carbonate of lime.
Alumina.
Oxide of iron.
Magnesia, (little.)
Phorphoric acid, (trace.)
No. 146.-Rock7 from under Basalt, Fort Miller, San Joaquin River.
Soluble in water; chlorides of Sodium.
Calcium.
Magnesium,
Soluble in hydrochloric acid
Alumina.
Oxide of iron
Sulphate of lime, (trace.)
Magnesia.
Soda.
Potash, (trace.)
The residue consists of sand and clay.
No. 153. —Dark Bituminous clay.-San Pedro.
Heated in a tube closed at one end it emits a strong bituminous odor and gives a small bl
nate of sulphur. Burns in the air to a redish-brown maso,
JOHN D. EASTER,