It occurs in large masses and veins, one of which extends for a distance of fifteen miles; from it millions of tons might be smelted, and when found adjacent to fuel and water-carriage, it might be worked to a profit.

The quality of the iron ore found in Ceylon is singularly fine; it is easily smelted, and so pure when reduced as to resemble silver.

The rough ore produces from _thirty_ to _seventy-five_ per cent., and on an average fully _fifty_.

The iron wrought from it requires no puddling, and, converted into steel, it cuts like a diamond.
The metal could be laid down in Colombo at L6 per ton, even supposing the ore to be brought thither for smelting, and prepared with English coal; but _anthracite_ being found upon the spot, it could be used in the proportion of three to one of the British coal; and the cost correspondingly reduced." [Footnote 1: The _Asiatic Annual Register_ for 1799 contains the following:-- "_Extract from a letter from Colombo, dated 26th Oct.

1798_.
"A discovery has been lately made here of a very rich mine of _quicksilver,_ about six miles from this place.