A HISTORY OF CORNWALL peculiar formation has the advantage of being found in larger and more regular masses or beds than the finer-grained granite of these islands. The composition of Cornish granite also allowed of its being cheaply worked by masons into the various-shaped stones required for large public works, and so in consequence a new industry for Cornwall rapidly sprang up, and till within a few years ago all engineering works of any magnitude on which granite was used were mainly supplied with that material from this county. Cornwall has not only supplied the granite for dock, harbour, and other engineering works in Britain, but has also supplied it for similar purposes to other parts of the world. When the demand arose for granite blocks, the ' Moormen ' first used the boulders which were thickly strewn in the granite districts. They were cut up and exported in the rough or cloven state. These surface stones, however, which were in many cases partially decomposed, were not really suitable, and it was soon realized that the material must be quarried systematically, and from a depth which would ensure sound rock ; and further, that the stones should be worked on the spot. Gradually quarries were opened in the most favourable situations, and men were trained to fashion the rough blocks into the required shapes. At first the most primitive appliances were all that were required to quarry and handle the stones, which in these early days were close to the surface. As time went on, and the quarries grew larger, mechani- cal appliances were introduced, until they cul- minated in the equipment consisting of the most modern steam cranes, blondins, etc. The transport of the stone from the quarries to the loading quays was at first carried out by means of teams of horses ; but as trade developed tramways and railways were laid down wherever possible, and of late years traction engines have been introduced to supersede the horse on the highways. While the quarries and the transport arrangements were gradually developing, accom- modation for storing the dressed blocks prepara- tory to shipping had to be provided ; and this was done by building loading quays, on which at first hand-cranes, and then hand-travellers running on gantries, covering many hundreds of square feet, and latterly steam-travellers covering many thousands of square feet, were erected. The principal districts in which granite quarry- ing is carried on are as follows : Gunnhlake. This is a considerable pit, and yields a stone remarkable for its white appearance when taken from the better beds. Kithill. Situated near the top of the hill of that name. It was extensively worked in the past, but only on a small scale for the last twenty or twenty-five years. Cheesewring. This is near the top of Cheese- wring Hill, and close to the famous pile of stones which forms a noted landmark. It is a large 5 quarry, producing a medium-grained stone which has been largely used in many important works. There are extensive openings near this quarry, such as Kilmar and Bearah Tor, which have not been worked for a quarter of a century. Delank. This is situated in St. Breward parish near Bodmin, and is one of the most im- portant quarries in the county. The quality of the granite is highly prized, and the present Eddystone Lighthouse was built of the material from this quarry. Par. There are several quarries in this dis- trict, the most important being Colkerrow and Tregarden. The rocks here are remarkably large, and lie in regular beds. Immense quanti- ties have been exported, as no doubt the cost of production and transit by rail to the shipping port of Par is moderate. Penryn is the centre of the Cornish quarrying industry. There are scores of quarries near here, the most important being Carnsew, Maen Rock, Rosemenewas, Polkanuggo, Tresaher, and Bosahan, which all produce rock extensively used for engineering purposes. The stone from Carnsew Quarries is much finer in the grain than that procured from the others in this dis- trict, and on that account it is preferred for the more important blocks required in docks, bridges, etc. The Fastnet Lighthouse was built of Carnsew granite, and it has been much used for the fronts of buildings, monuments, and decora- tive purposes. It does not appear that Cornish granite has taken a high position for decorative or polishing purposes, but an extensive polishing works has been in operation at Penryn for some years, and many large contracts have been exe- cuted. Carnmarth and Helston. There are several quarries in this district ; they are situated more inland than those near Penryn, and mostly supply local wants. Lamorna Cove Quarries are near Penzance. At one time extensive operations were conducted here, but the risk attending shipment, due to the exposed and dangerous coast, led to their aban- donment some years ago. Subsequently steam power was introduced, and by that means the stones were hoisted to the top of the cliff, whence they were conveyed to Penzance for shipment. Newmills and Sheffield are also important quarries in this district. Kithill, Delank, Cheesewring, and some of the Par quarries are connected by tramways or by railroads direct to the shipping ports of Calstock, Wadebridge, Looe, and Par respec- tively. The various quarries scattered within a radius of from i to 6 miles of the shipping ports of Penryn and Port Navis are not con- nected by rail : the expense of linking up so many quarries, the majority of which are small, has evidently been prohibitive ; but, as before stated, traction haulage has been successfully introduced. 18
