Peat

—A substance of vegetable origin, of probable value in power production. It consists of roots and fibers in various stages of decomposition, and found, as a kind of turf or bog, in low situations, where it is always more or le saturated with water. Peat next to the surface is le advanced in decomposition, is light, spongy and fibrous, of a yellow or light reddish brown color; lower down it is more compact, of a darker brown color, and in the lowest strata it is of a blackish brown, or almost a black color, of a pitchy or unctuous feel. Peat in its natural condition generally contains from 75 to 80 per cent of water. Ib sometimes amounts to 85 or 90 per cent in which case the peat is of.the consistency of mire.