SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C.  20549

                                  Schedule 13D

                    Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                               (Amendment No. 49)*

                               NL INDUSTRIES,INC.
                                (Name of Issuer)

                          Common Stock, $.125 par value
                         (Title of Class of Securities)

                                    629156407
                                 (CUSIP Number)

                                 WILLIAM C. TIMM
                              THREE LINCOLN CENTRE
                                   SUITE 1700
                                5430 LBJ FREEWAY
                              DALLAS, TEXAS  75240
                                 (214) 233-1700


                  (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
                Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

                                December 27, 1994
                      (Date of Event which requires Filing
                               of this Statement)


If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report
the acquisition which is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this
schedule because of Rule 13d-1(b)(3) or (4), check the following box.

Check the following box if a fee is being paid with the statement.

(A fee is not required only if the reporting person: (1) has a previous
statement on file reporting beneficial ownership of more than five percent of
the class of securities described in Item 1; and (2) has filed no amendment
subsequent thereto reporting beneficial ownership of five percent or less of
such class.) (See Rule 13d-7.)

*The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's
initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and
for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter
disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed
to by "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act
but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the
Notes).

                         (Continued on following pages)
CUSIP No.  629156407
     1      NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
             S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON

             Valhi, Inc. 

     2      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
             (a)

             (b)


     3      SEC USE ONLY


     4      SOURCE OF FUNDS*

             WC

     5      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
             PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)



     6      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

             Delaware 
                                     7
                                             SOLE VOTING POWER
           NUMBER OF
             SHARES                          -0-
          BENEFICIALLY
                                     8
                                             SHARED VOTING POWER
            OWNED BY
              EACH
                                             35,076,690
           REPORTING
             PERSON                  9
                                             SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
              WITH
                                             -0-

                                    10      SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                             35,076,690

     11
             AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

             35,076,690
     12
             CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
             CERTAIN SHARES*



     13
             PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

             68.7%
     14
             TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

             CO
[FN]
* See instructions before filling out.

CUSIP No.  629156407

     1      NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
             S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON

             Tremont Corporation

     2      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
             (a)

             (b)

     3      SEC USE ONLY



     4      SOURCE OF FUNDS*

             WC
     5      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
             PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)



     6      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

             Delaware

                                     7
                                             SOLE VOTING POWER
           NUMBER OF
             SHARES                          -0-
          BENEFICIALLY               8
                                             SHARED VOTING POWER
            OWNED BY
              EACH                           9,064,780
           REPORTING
             PERSON                  9
                                             SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
              WITH
                                             -0-
                                    10      SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                             9,064,780

     11
             AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

             9,064,780

     12
             CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
             CERTAIN SHARES*


     13
             PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

             17.8%

     14
             TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

             CO
[FN]
* See instructions before filling out.

CUSIP No. 629156407
     1      NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
             S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON

             Contran Corporation

     2      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
             (a)

             (b)


     3      SEC USE ONLY

     4      SOURCE OF FUNDS*

             Not applicable

     5      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
             PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)


     6      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

             Delaware

                                     7
                                             SOLE VOTING POWER
           NUMBER OF
             SHARES                          -0-
          BENEFICIALLY
                                     8
                                             SHARED VOTING POWER
            OWNED BY
              EACH
                                             35,076,690
           REPORTING
             PERSON                  9
                                             SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
              WITH
                                             -0-

                                    10      SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                             35,076,690
     11
             AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

             35,076,690

     12
             CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
             CERTAIN SHARES*



     13
             PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

             68.7%
     14
             TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

             CO
[FN]
* See instructions before filling out.

CUSIP No. 629156407

     1      NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
             S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON

             Dixie Rice Agricultural Corporation, Inc.
     2      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
             (a)

             (b)


     3      SEC USE ONLY



     4      SOURCE OF FUNDS*

             Not applicable

     5      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
             PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)



     6      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

             Louisiana
                                     7
                                             SOLE VOTING POWER
           NUMBER OF
             SHARES                          -0-
          BENEFICIALLY
                                     8
                                             SHARED VOTING POWER
            OWNED BY
              EACH
                                             35,076,690
           REPORTING
             PERSON
                                     9
                                             SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
              WITH

                                             -0-
                                    10      SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                             35,076,690

     11
             AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

             35,076,690
     12
             CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
             CERTAIN SHARES*



     13
             PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

             68.7%

     14
             TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

             CO
[FN]
* See instructions before filling out.

CUSIP No. 629156407
     1      NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
             S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON

             Dixie Holding Company

     2      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
             (a)

             (b)

     3      SEC USE ONLY



     4      SOURCE OF FUNDS*

             Not applicable

     5      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
             PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)

     6      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

             Delaware

                                     7
                                             SOLE VOTING POWER
           NUMBER OF
             SHARES                          -0-
          BENEFICIALLY               8
                                             SHARED VOTING POWER
            OWNED BY
              EACH                           35,076,690
           REPORTING
             PERSON                  9
                                             SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
              WITH
                                             -0-

                                    10      SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                             35,076,690
     11
             AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

             35,076,690

     12
             CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
             CERTAIN SHARES*


     13
             PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

             68.7%

     14
             TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

             CO
[FN]
* See instructions before filling out.

CUSIP No. 629156407

     1      NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
             S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON

             Southwest Louisiana Land Company, Inc.
     2      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
             (a)

             (b)


     3      SEC USE ONLY


     4      SOURCE OF FUNDS*

             Not applicable

     5      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
             PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)



     6      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

             Louisiana

                                     7
                                             SOLE VOTING POWER
           NUMBER OF
             SHARES                          -0-
          BENEFICIALLY
                                     8
                                             SHARED VOTING POWER
            OWNED BY
              EACH
                                             35,076,690
           REPORTING
             PERSON                  9
                                             SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
              WITH
                                             -0-

                                    10      SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                             35,076,690

     11
             AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

             35,076,690
     12
             CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
             CERTAIN SHARES*



     13
             PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

             68.7%
     14
             TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

             CO
[FN]
* See instructions before filling out.

CUSIP No. 629156407

     1      NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
             S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON

             NOA, Inc.

     2      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
             (a)

             (b)

     3      SEC USE ONLY



     4      SOURCE OF FUNDS*

             Not applicable
     5      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
             PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)



     6      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

             Texas

                                     7
                                             SOLE VOTING POWER
           NUMBER OF
                                     8
                                             SHARED VOTING POWER
             SHARES                          -0-
          BENEFICIALLY
                                             35,076,690
            OWNED BY
              EACH
                                     9
                                             SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
           REPORTING
             PERSON
                                             -0-
              WITH
                                    10      SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                             35,076,690

     11
             AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

             35,076,690
     12
             CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
             CERTAIN SHARES*



     13
             PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

             68.7%

     14
             TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

             CO
[FN]
* See instructions before filling out.

CUSIP No. 629156407
     1      NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
             S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON

             National City Lines, Inc.

     2      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
             (a)

             (b)

     3      SEC USE ONLY



     4      SOURCE OF FUNDS*

             Not applicable

     5      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
             PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)


     6      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

             Delaware

                                     7
                                             SOLE VOTING POWER
           NUMBER OF
                                     8
                                             SHARED VOTING POWER
             SHARES                          -0-
          BENEFICIALLY
                                             35,076,690
            OWNED BY
              EACH
                                     9
                                             SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
           REPORTING
             PERSON
                                             -0-
              WITH
                                    10      SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                             35,076,690

     11
             AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

             35,076,690
     12
             CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
             CERTAIN SHARES*



     13
             PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

             68.7%

     14
             TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

             CO
[FN]
* See instructions before filling out.

CUSIP No. 629156407
     1      NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
             S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON

             Valhi Group, Inc.

     2      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
             (a)

             (b)

     3      SEC USE ONLY



     4      SOURCE OF FUNDS*

             Not applicable

     5      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
             PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)


     6      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

             Delaware

                                     7
                                             SOLE VOTING POWER
           NUMBER OF
                                     8
                                             SHARED VOTING POWER
             SHARES                          -0-
          BENEFICIALLY
                                             35,076,690
            OWNED BY
              EACH
                                     9
                                             SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
           REPORTING
             PERSON
                                             -0-
              WITH
                                    10      SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                             35,076,690

     11
             AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

             35,076,690
     12
             CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
             CERTAIN SHARES*



     13
             PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

             68.7%

     14
             TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

             CO
[FN]
* See instructions before filling out.

CUSIP No. 629156407
     1      NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
             S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON

             The Combined Master Retirement Trust

     2      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
             (a)

             (b)

     3      SEC USE ONLY



     4      SOURCE OF FUNDS*

             Not applicable

     5      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
             PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)


     6      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

             Texas

                                     7
                                             SOLE VOTING POWER
           NUMBER OF
                                     8
                                             SHARED VOTING POWER
             SHARES                          -0-
          BENEFICIALLY
                                             35,076,690
            OWNED BY
              EACH
                                     9
                                             SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
           REPORTING
             PERSON
                                             -0-
              WITH
                                    10      SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                             35,076,690

     11
             AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

             35,076,690
     12
             CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
             CERTAIN SHARES*



     13
             PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

             68.7%

     14
             TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

             EP
[FN]
* See instructions before filling out.

CUSIP No. 629156407
     1      NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
             S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON

             Harold C. Simmons

     2      CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*
             (a)

             (b)

     3      SEC USE ONLY



     4      SOURCE OF FUNDS*

             Not applicable

     5      CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
             PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(D) OR 2(E)


     6      CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

             USA

                                     7
                                             SOLE VOTING POWER
           NUMBER OF
                                     8
                                             SHARED VOTING POWER
             SHARES                          -0-
          BENEFICIALLY
                                             35,076,690
            OWNED BY
              EACH
                                     9
                                             SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
           REPORTING
             PERSON
                                             -0-
              WITH
                                    10      SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                             35,076,690

     11
             AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

             -0-
     12
             CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
             CERTAIN SHARES*           X



     13
             PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

             -0-

     14
             TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

             IN
[FN]
* See instructions before filling out.

                                AMENDMENT NO. 49
                                 TO SCHEDULE 13D

          This amended statement on Schedule 13D (this "Statement") relates to
the Common Stock, $.125 par value per share (the "Shares") of NL Industries,
Inc., a New Jersey corporation (the "Company" or "NL").  Items 3, 4, 5 and 7 of
this Statement, previously filed (i) by Valhi, Inc. ("Valhi") and Tremont
Corporation ("Tremont") as the direct beneficial owners of Shares, (ii) by
virtue of their respective direct and indirect holdings of securities of Valhi
and Tremont (as described previously on this Statement), by Contran Corporation
("Contran"); Valhi Group, Inc. ("VGI"); National City Lines, Inc. ("National");
NOA, Inc. ("NOA"); Dixie Rice Agricultural Corporation, Inc. ("Dixie Rice");
Dixie Holding Company ("Dixie Holding"); Southwest Louisiana Land Company, Inc.
("Southwest") and The Combined Master Retirement Trust ("Master Trust") and
(iii) by virtue of his positions with Contran, the Master Trust and certain
other entities, as described previously on this Statement, Harold C. Simmons
(collectively, the "Reporting Persons"), are hereby amended as set forth below.

Item 3.   Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration

          No change except for the addition of the following:

          The total amount of funds required by Valhi to acquire the Shares
reported in Item 5(c) was $5,642,620 (including commissions).  Such funds were
or will be provided by Valhi's cash on hand and no funds were borrowed for such
purpose.

Item 4.   Purpose of Transaction.

          No change except for the addition of the following:

          Valhi purchased the additional Shares reported in Item 5(c) of this
Statement in order to increase its equity interest in the Company.  Depending
upon their evaluation of the Company's business and prospects, and upon future

developments (including, but not limited to, performance of the Shares in the
market, availability of funds, alternative uses of funds, and money, stock
market and general economic conditions), any of the Reporting Persons, other
than the Master Trust, or other entities that may be deemed to be affiliated
with Contran may from time to time purchase Shares, and any of the Reporting
Persons or other entities that may be deemed to be affiliated with Contran may
from time to time dispose of all or a portion of the Shares held by such person,
or cease buying or selling Shares.  Any such additional purchases or sales of
the Shares may be in open market or privately-negotiated transactions or
otherwise.

          On December 27, 1994, Valhi issued the press release attached hereto
as Exhibit 3, which is incorporated herein by this reference.  Such press
release relates to, among other things, the acquisition by Valhi of additional
Shares. 


Item 5.   Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

          No change except for the addition of the following:

          (a)  Tremont is the direct beneficial owner of 9,064,780 Shares, or
approximately 17.8% of the 51,042,443 Shares outstanding as of November 7, 1994
(the "Outstanding Shares"), according to information contained in the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1994 (the
"Quarterly Report").  By virtue of the relationships described under Item 2 of
this Statement, each of the other Reporting Persons may be deemed to share
indirect beneficial ownership of the Shares directly beneficially owned by
Tremont.  Harold C. Simmons disclaims all such beneficial ownership.

          Valhi is the direct beneficial owner of 26,011,910 Shares, or
approximately 50.9% of the Outstanding Shares according to the information
contained in the Quarterly Report.  By virtue of the relationships reported
under Item 2 of this Statement, Valhi may be deemed to be the beneficial owner
of 35,076,690 Shares, or approximately 68.7% of the outstanding Shares according
to information contained in the Quarterly Report.  By virtue of the
relationships described under Item 2 of this Statement, VGI, National, NOA,
Southwest, Dixie Holding, Dixie Rice, Contran, the Master Trust and Harold C.
Simmons may be deemed to share indirect beneficial ownership of the Shares
directly owned by Valhi.  Mr. Simmons disclaims all such beneficial ownership.

          (c)  The table below sets forth purchases of the Shares by the
Reporting Persons during the last 60 days.  All of such purchases were effected
by Valhi on the New York Stock Exchange.

Approximate Price Per Share ($) (exclusive of commissions) Date Amount of Shares ----------------- ---- ---------------- 12/13/94 30,000 9.7500 12/13/94 21,000 9.8750 12/14/94 2,500 10.0000 12/16/94 191,800 11.0000 12/19/94 21,000 11.0625 12/20/94 4,600 11.0000 12/20/94 28,400 11.1250 12/20/94 13,000 11.2500 12/21/94 26,000 11.6250 12/22/94 28,900 11.8750 12/22/94 132,700 12.0000
Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits. No change except for the addition of the following: Exhibit 3 Press release issued by Valhi on December 27, 1994 Signature After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this Statement is true, complete and correct. Date: December 28, 1994 By: /s/ Harold C. Simmons Harold C. Simmons, Signing in the capacities listed on Schedule "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Signature After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this Statement is true, complete and correct. Date: December 28, 1994 By: /s/ J. Landis Martin J. Landis Martin, Signing in the capacities listed on Schedule "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Signature After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this Statement is true, complete and correct. Date: December 28, 1994 By: /s/ William C. Timm William C. Timm Signing in the capacities listed on Schedule "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. SCHEDULE A Harold C. Simmons, individually, and as Trustee of THE COMBINED MASTER RETIREMENT TRUST. William C. Timm as Vice President - Finance of each of: CONTRAN CORPORATION DIXIE RICE AGRICULTURAL CORPORATION, INC. DIXIE HOLDING COMPANY NOA, INC. NATIONAL CITY LINES, INC. SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA LAND COMPANY, INC. VALHI GROUP, INC. VALHI, INC. J. Landis Martin, as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of: TREMONT CORPORATION


EXHIBIT 3
                                             Joseph S. Compofelice
                                             Executive Vice President
                                             (713)  423-3303
                                             (214)  450-4259


                                  PRESS RELEASE

                       VALHI DISTRIBUTES TREMONT INTEREST


          Dallas, Texas . . .  December 27, 1994 . . . Valhi, Inc. (NYSE:VHI)
announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a special dividend on
its common stock of all of its approximately 48.1% ownership of Tremont
Corporation (NYSE:TRE), consisting of 3,537,166 shares of Tremont common stock. 
The dividend will be payable on February 3, 1995 to Valhi stockholders of record
at the close of business on January 6, 1995.  Based on current outstanding
shares, Valhi stockholders will receive in a taxable distribution approximately
.03 of a share of Tremont common stock for each share of Valhi common stock held
as of the record date, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares.

     Tremont, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is a leading U.S. integrated
producer of titanium metal products and holds approximately 17.8% of NL
Industries, Inc. (NYSE:NL).  Tremont's common stock had a closing price on
December 23, 1994 of $11.75 per share.

     Valhi previously announced its intention to acquire additional shares of
the common stock of NL that, when combined with Valhi's existing holdings, would
result in Valhi directly holding in excess of 50% of NL.  As of December 23,
1994, Valhi held 50.9% of NL, which will allow Valhi to consolidate NL's
financial results, rather than only reporting its equity in NL's net earnings
and losses.  Harold C. Simmons, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Valhi, stated that "We believe that NL is in the early stages of a
cyclical recovery of its titanium dioxide pigments (Ti02) business as evidenced
in 1994 by improvement in industry-wide capacity utilization, price increases
realized in 1994 and recent price increase announcements effective in early
1995.  NL management has stated that it expects NL to be profitable in 1995 and
to use improvements in cash-flow to reduce its indebtedness.  As NL's operating
environment improves, the value of Valhi's investment in NL should be enhanced
accordingly.  The profitability of Valhi's wholly-owned refined sugar, forest
products and other businesses has been overshadowed by losses at NL for the last
few years."

     Valhi believes that the distribution of Tremont, along with the
consolidation of NL, will result in a more understandable presentation of
Valhi's financial results and, after the distribution, will allow Valhi
stockholders to independently make their own investment decisions with respect
to their Valhi shares and the Tremont shares they receive as a result of the
distribution.  Contran and certain of its subsidiaries currently hold
approximately 90% of Valhi and therefore will receive approximately 90% of the
Tremont shares currently held by Valhi.

     Selected pro forma financial information reflecting the effect of Valhi's
consolidation of NL and its distribution of Tremont is summarized below.
Nine Months Ended 9/30/94 ------------------------- Before Distribution After Distribution of Tremont and of Tremont and Consolidation of NL Consolidation of NL ------------------- ------------------- (Historical) (Pro forma) (In millions, except per share data) Results of Operations Net sales $632.3 $1,296.5 Operating income 73.3 132.9 Income from continuing operations 6.9 1.7 Income from continuing operations per share $ .06 $ .01 Balance Sheet (at September 30, 1994) Total assets $785.6 $2,356.6 Long-term debt 308.5 1,099.5 Stockholders' equity 215.9 199.2
Valhi, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is engaged in the chemicals, refined sugar, forest products, fast food and hardware products industries.