Lectures on Popular and Scientific Subjects

There are few subjects of more importance, and few less known or thought about, than our coal-mines. Coal is one of our greatest blessings, and certainly one originating cause of England's greatness and wealth. It has given us a power over other nations, and vast sums of money are yearly brought to our country from abroad in exchange for the coal we send. Nearly 17, 000, 000 pounds is the representative value of the coal raised every year at the pit's mouth, and 20, 000, 000 pounds represent its mean value at the various places of consumption.