in the manufacture of glass melting pots of all kinds, during
which it has established an enviable reputation as producers
of the highest grade glass melting pots and glass furnace
refractories in general. The foundation of good pot making
is the nature of the clay used, quality being the one prin-
ciple which guides this company in the selection of clays.
Keeping in constant touch with sources of supply, and by
frequent careful tests, the company is assured that its pro-
ducts are fully up to the standards its officials have set.
After receiving the raw clays from the mines, these clays
are all thoroughly inspected and picked by hand. All
doubtful or inferior clays are immediately rejected, and
extreme care is used to see that only the very best of ma-
terial enters into the composition of the pot. The com-
pany has facilities for burning such clays as are used in the
batch in the burned condition, and these clays are all in-
spected again after burning,
The next process consists of grinding and screening the
various clays which enter into the pot mixture. It is
highly important that the various clays be screened to the
size that will give the best results in.the finished pot, and
this detail is looked after with the closest attention. The
various clays are intimately mixed in the proper propor-
tions, and then passed through “pug mills,” in order that
the batch may be thoroughly amalgamated. After this mix-
ing and pugging process is completely accomplished, the
batch is stored in bins to age or ripen. The proper aging
of pot and tank block clays is of great importance, and the
company has bins capable of holding a year’s supply of
clay, in order that the aging may be properly accomplished.
During the aging process the batch is transferred from one
bin to another, being again thoroughly pugged at each
transfer
Pot clay usually requires from eight months to one year
to age, in order to make it a homogeneous mass. After
the clay is properly aged it is again pugged and transferred
to the trampers’ box, where it is kneaded by the bare feet
of the clay trampers. It is then made into small rolls
suited to fit the hand of the pot maker.