148 TINDEVELOPED COAL FIELDS OF NOVA SCOTIA—GILPIN. 
The following analyses will show the character of these 
“ coals °— 
iL Wd 
Volatile Combustible Matter..... 17.50 36.72 
Hixedi@anrbonecenas. je. Sir eatte MOO 46.64 
Ash........... ERE sd eit at hE oy 53.16 16.64 
At present, of course, the interest of the prospector in the 
unexplored portions of the coal fields of Cape Breton lies in the 
hope of discovering seams which will compete in size with those 
now being worked. All thirgs being considered a seam of coal 
about six feet thick can be worked as economically as a larger 
one and more cheaply than asmaller one. As this paper is 
written with as much reference to the future as to the present 
status of the coal indnstry, it is fair to remember that coal seams 
with a much less thickness than six feet often acquire more than 
a local value. From the recently published report of the inves- 
tigation of the British Iron Trade Association into the conditions 
affecting the iron industries of Beloium and Germany, a reference 
can be given directly bearing on this point. The official reports 
of the Belgian Government show that the average depth of the 
Belgian coa! pits was 1,400 feet, and the average thickness of 
the worked seam was 2.08 feet. 
In Germany, the same report states, the official returns show 
the average thickness of the worked seams to be 3.28 feet. Itis 
plain from these figures that in these countries a large number 
of very thin seams must ke worked to give so low an average 
thickness. Connected with this point the figures given by the 
report as to the cost of the coal at the pit head in these countries 
is interesting. The cost is in Belgian about $1.75, in Germany 
about $1.60, and in Engiand about $1.45 per ton. 
The discovery therefore in the areas referred to of seams of 
coal, even though they be smaller than those at present worked, 
is of value, as locating future reserves of fuel. The work so far 
done has proved that very large areas in these districts present 
seams at present available to the coal miner so far as their size 
