Page:Economic History of Virginia Vol 2.djvu/506

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annually, knots of old pine trees being the material used.[1] Barrels of tar were from an early period very frequently included in the inventories of estates in Lower Norfolk County, and the entries of this form of property increased in a very notable degree in the last five years of the century. This commodity became an important consideration in the transfer of titles to land; in some instances, it was offered in part payment and in others in whole.[2] There were also fitful attempts to manufacture potashes. In several cases, samples were shipped to England, but at no time did the production of this commodity develop into an important industry.[3] It sold for about 7s. 6d. a barrel.[4]

  1. British State Papers, Colonial, Virginia B. T., vol. II, B. 17. “In obedience to his excellency’s the Governor’s letter, this court having taken the same into consideration, doe returne for answer that there never was any quantitys of pitch and tar made in this county nor is there any quantity of pine to make the same.” Records of Middlesex County, original vol. 1694-1705, p. 222.
  2. Records of Lower Norfolk County, original vol. 1675-1686, f. p. 83; Ibid., original vol. 1695-1703, f. p. 103.
  3. Governor Harvey to Privy Council, October, 1630, British State Papers, Colonial, No. 5; McDonald Papers, vol. II, p. 46, Va. State Library.
  4. Records of Lower Norfolk County, original vol. 1695-1703, p. 2.