The Virginia Gazette

For the VIRGINIA GAZETTE.

THE MAKING of BAY SALT.

On marshy grounds, disposed by nature for the reception of the sea water, when the tide swells, and provided with banks and sluices to retain the same, they call salt marshes. These salt marshes, the bottoms whereof they ram with great care, are divided into square pits or basins, separated by little dikes; and into these basins, when the season is at hand, they let in the sea water. The salt season is from the middle of May to the end of August. The water is admitted to the height of about six inches, after having first let it rest, exposed to the sun for two or three days, in large reservoirs without the works, that it may come in lukewarm. The water being admitted, the sluices are shut, and the rest of the work is left to wind and sun. The surface of the water being struck, and agitated with the direct rays of this luminary, thickens at first imperceptibly, and becomes at length covered over with a slight crust; which, continuing to harden, is wholly converted into salt. The water in this state is so hot that the hand cannot be put into it without scalding. When the salt has received its full coction, they break the crust with a pole, upon which it sinks to the bottom; whence, being dragged out again, they leave it in heaps about the pit, to complete its drying, covering it over with straw or rushes, to secure it from the rain.

Eight, ten, or at most fifteen days, having thus completed the crystallization, they open the sluices, when the tide rises, for a fresh stock; and thus, alternately, while the season holds.

This bay salt is refined into white salt, by boiling it in large flat caldrons, which not only lessens its acrimony, and alters its colour, but is also found to increase the quantity.

The lower parts of this county, consisting of level and marshy grounds, seem properly adapted for making this salt; insomuch, that in the hot summer months white salt is naturally formed on the marsh grass, and has been occasionally stripped off by the inhabitants, for present use, in their fishing parties.

Along the shores also a strong stiff clay abounds, doubtless very proper for laying the bottoms and sides of the pits. The coction of the salt will be done in less time in this climate, because hotter than that which requires the time mentioned above.

Here then every requisite for procuring this article is amply provided on the part of nature: Human industry is only wanting to manufacture large quantities thereof, in the easiest and cheapest manner.

Poquoson, York county,
PLUS ULTRA.
January 18, 1776.