92 AUGITIC BOCKS. ing force. This has been proved by the experiments of Mr. Wilkinson on one-inch cubes of different kinds of stone ; 32,130 lb. weight being required to crush a specimen from Moore Quarry, Ballymena, Co. Antrim ; tliis specimen, which was visibly crystal line, seems to have been exceptional, several other cubes having been crushed by weights a little under 19001b. 1 Basalt weighs 171-181 lb. per cubic foot absorbs less than 1—4th lb. of water per cubic foot, and is extremely durable. With these qualities, it is admirably adapted for street paving where there is much traffic, for foundation and curb stones, and for road-metal; but, except in very rare cases, and when mixed with light-coloured freestones, its use as a building stone is highly objectionable owing to its gloomy and heavy appearance. 1 Practical Geology of Ireland, by G. "Wilkinson, M.R.I.A. (1845), p. 347 and Table I.