270 TWENTIETH EVENING

Nor does it readily rust in the air; and hence it 1s
much used to cover buildings with, as well as to fine
spouts and watercourses. For these purposes, tne
lead is cast into sheets, which are easily cut and ham-
mered into any shape.

H. Bullets and shot, too, are made of lead ?

T, Some of them are; and in this way it is ten
times more destructive than as a poison.

G. I think lead seems to be more used than any
metal, except iron.

T It is; and the plenty of it in our country is a
great benefit to us, both for domestic use, and as ar.
article that brings in much profit by exportation.

G. Where are our principal lead-mines ?

T. They are much scattered about our island.
The west of England produces a great deal, in Corn-
wall, Devonshire, and Somersetshire. Wales affords
a large quantity. Derbyshire has long been noted for
its lead-mines, and so have Northumberland and Dur-
ham. And there are considerable ones in the southern
part of Scotland.

Now, do you recollect another metal to be spoken
about ?

G. Tin.

T. True. ‘Tin resembles lead in colour, but has a
more silvery whiteness. It is soft and flexible, like
lead, but is distinguished by the crackling noise it
makes on being bent. It melts as easily as lead, and
also is readily calemed, by keeping it in the fire. It is
the lightest of all metals, being only seven times
heavier than water. It may be beaten into a thin
leaf, but not drawn out to wire.

G. Is tm of much use?

T. It is not often used by itself, but very frequently
in conjunction with other metals. As tin is little
liable to rust, or to be corroded by common liquors, it
:8 employed for a lining or coating of vessels made of
copper or iron. The saucepans and kettles in the
kitekea you know, are all tinned.