326 



Geology of Wiltshire. 



FIC-i:3 SECTION 



but as there is now room at (i) to work the saw transversely as well, another 

 cut (k) is made, which, separatincr the blocks from their hinder attachment, 

 renders any further breaking off behind unnecessary. Meanwhile the cutting 

 is continued in the picking-bed, and stone got out in layer (B;, just in the 

 same way as before ; everything below this point, however, is quarried with all 

 sides sawn excepting those abutting on the natural joints. Hence there is very 

 little loss or waste ; each piece comes out square, iinished, and ready to pass 

 at once into the hands of the dealer or bnilder. Each of the platforms is 

 occupied by groups of men, all healthy, cleanly, and cheerful -looking fellows, 

 busily occupied either with pick, crowbar, or saw, and shouting occasional 

 directions one to another in a tongue, whose determined provincialism, none 

 but a boi-n "VViltshireman could hope to interpret. The average daily produce 

 of stone from these quarries is about 150 tons, being nearly double the quantity 

 got out from all the other Bath -stone quarries taken together. The length of 

 underground tramways leading to the several workings, exclusive of those 

 which have been worked out and abandoned, is something over five miles ; and 

 the direct line running east and west through the length of the quarry is very 

 nearly two miles. 



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