anuary 7th 50 138 1/2 2.572 0.580 0.015 0.200
January 8th 75 119 1.844 0.264 0.022 0.200
January 9th 100 138 1/2 1.712 0.147 0.038 0.185

"On the 9th, at 5 P.M., the briquettes having been nearly exhausted,
the percentage was dropped to 25 per cent., and on the 10th the output
dropped to 120 tons, and on the 11th the furnace had resumed the usual
work on the regular standard ores.

"These figures prove that the yield of the furnace is considerably
increased. The Crane trial was too short to settle the question to what
extent the increase in product may be carried. This increase in output,
of course, means a reduction in the cost of labor and of general
expenses.

"The richness of the ore and its purity of course affect the limestone
consumption. In the case of the Crane trial there was a reduction from
30 per cent. to 12 per cent. of the ore charge.

"Finally, the fuel consumption is reduced, which in the case of the
Eastern plants, with their relatively costly coke, is a very important
consideration. It is regarded as possible that Eastern furnaces will
be able to use a smaller proportion of the costlier coke and
correspondingly increase in anthracite coal, which is a cheaper fuel
in that section. So far as foundry iron is concerned, the experience at
Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, brief as it has been, shows that a stronger
and tougher metal is made."

Edison himself tells an interesting little story in this connection,
when he enjoyed the active help of that noble character, John Fritz,
the distinguished inventor and pioneer of the modern steel industry
in America. He says: "When I was struggling along with the iron-ore
concentration, I went to see several blast-furnace men to sell the ore
at the market price. They saw I was very anxious to sell it, and they
would take advantage of my necessity. But I happened to go to Mr. John
Fritz, of the Bethlehem Steel Company, and told him what I was doing.
'Well,' he said to me, 'Edison, you are doing a good thing for the
Eastern furnaces. They ought to help you, for it will help us out. I am
willing to help you. I mix a little sentiment with business, and I will
give you an order for one hundred thousand tons.' And he sat right down
and gave me the order."

The Edison concentrating plant has been sketched in the briefest outline
with a view of affording merely a bare idea of the great