“It is hoped and expected that further experience will demonstrate an increase in each of the several items of advantage resulting from Glycerin blasting; and it is only claimed that the best use was made of the short term of experiment afforded, and the most faithful and diligent effort was put forth to attain the best results and greatest benefit therefrom to the Commonwealth. “It was a source of great disappointment that Professor Mowbray should have been unable sooner to provide a continuous supply of the explosive, and in view of the fact that a small quantity was furnished earlier in the year, it is appropriate to make mention of the obstacles which for a time delayed its further manufacture. The first lot produced was made with imported acids, reaching the actual standard of purity represented. In providing for more extended operations, acids were ordered of American works of the same expressed standard, but these when received, were found so far below requirement, that a separate process of purification became necessary. For this process, retorts of a special pattern not to be procured in market, had to be manufactured, and separate works erected, and in the processes, necessity for which was not foreseen, much delay was unavoidably encountered. I have been fully satisfied throughout of Professor Mowbray’s earnest desire fully to meet the expectations of the Commissioners and of the public, and deem it proper to make this general statement of the more important circumstances, unanticipated, and therefore beyond his control, which disappointed his purpose.”