76 STATISTICS OF THE COLLIERIES OF 



4T57r per thousand; being in both cases less than the per 

 centage of this district. 



In comparing the colliery accidents of this district with 

 those of Belgium, it is, however, important to know that in 

 proportion to the quantity of coals raised a much larger num- 

 ber of persons are employed at the Belgian coal mines ; and 

 that of those employed, a larger proportion of them are on 

 the surface, where they are out of danger. One great point of 

 difference being, that in Lancashire and Cheshire machinery 

 is extensively used underground for drawing the produce; 

 whilst such work is carried on in the Belgium collieries chiefly 

 by male and female labor. 



In comparing the per centage of accidents, therefore, it 

 seems proper to look not only at the risk per head but also at 

 the amount of work performed, and in this respect it is satis- 

 faction to know that the collieries of this district present a 

 favorable comparison. The average annual get or quantity 

 of coal raised per person employed in this district being 

 nearly double that of Belgium. 



The output of coals in Belgium during the 5 years ending 

 1849 alluded to, averaged 5,055,196 English tons per annum, 

 and the deaths from accidents 144^ per annum, the average 

 was consequently at the rate of 1 life lost for every 34,9 1 1 

 tons raised. And in the years 1851 and 1852, when the 

 deaths from accidents averaged 194^, the average was at the 

 increased rate of about I life for every 31,000 tons. 



In the Lancashire, Cheshire, and North Wales district, 

 the number of lives lost during the years 1851, 1852, and 

 1853, averaged 215f, and the output of coals, as ascertained 

 for the intermediate year 1852, 9,923,000 tons per annum; 

 the per centage of deaths by accidents was consequently at 

 the rate of 1 life per 46,010 tons of coal raised. A com- 

 parison with Belgium in point of work done is therefore 

 much in favor of this district. 



The loss of life to persons employed in and about the 



