A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON CLAYS OV VLORIDA 167

The green brick are stacked in air-drying sheds where they are protected from wind and direct sunlight. They are first covered with wet burlap and the ground underneath the racks is flooded with water to prevent rapid drying. Eight weeks are required to dry the ware in this manner without heavy losses from cracking. Careful firing with very gradual increases in temperature are also necessary to avoid further cracking. A common building-brick is made at this plant.



























 Fi;. 24.-Setting a kiln. Morris and Blumer Brick
 Company, Brooksville, Hernando County.


 The plant is located on the Tampa Northern Railroad, which renders Tampa and St. Petersburg and surrounding points available as a market.
 The upper dark, sandy clay has the following physical properties: