1866. | Mining, Mineralogy, and Metallurgy. 425 
The coal production of this country, as we learn, shows but a 
slight increase in 1865 over the production of 1864. A con- 
siderable excitement has arisen on the “ Coal Question” since Mr. J. 
S. Mill drew attention to Mr. Stanley Jevons’ book in the House of 
Commons. In this journal Mr. E. Hull has already dealt with the 
subject. 
On the 12th of June Mr. Hussey Vivian moved, in the House of 
Commons, “that an humble address be presented to Her Majesty, 
praying that she will be graciously pleased to issue a Royal commis- 
sion to investigate the probable quantity of coal contained in the 
coal-fields of Great Britain, and to report on the quantity of such 
coal which may be reasonably expected to be available for use; 
whether it is probable that coal exists at workable depths under the 
Permian, New Red Sandstone, and other superincumbent strata, and 
whether they would recommend that bore-holes should be sunk in 
any and what localities ; to ascertain and report on the quantity of 
coal at present consumed in the various branches of manufacture, 
for steam navigation and for domestic purposes, as well as the 
quantity exported, and how far and to what extent such consump- 
tion and export may be expected to increase; how far the increase 
of population must necessarily accord with the increased consump- 
tion of coal, and the relations which one is likely to bear to the 
other ; and whether there is reason to believe that coal is wasted 
either by bad workmanship, or by carelessness, or neglect of proper 
appliances for its economical consumption, and whether they would 
recommend legislation, with a view to avoid such waste.” 
After an interesting debate on this important subject, in which 
all agreed that an inquiry was necessary, Sir George Grey said, 
“'The Government thought it desirable to associate with the chief 
members of the Geological Survey Department, men of great 
practical knowledge and experience in the working of mines and 
manufacturing operations, with a view to a searching and impartial 
inquiry, in the result of which the country might place confidence. 
They thought that the commission should consist of a mixed body, 
and include men of the highest scientific attainments, among whom 
he hoped Sir R. Murchison would allow himself to be placed. Upon 
that understanding the Government were prepared to agree to the 
motion.” 
We may, therefore, hope that the “Coal Question ” will receive 
a satisfactory solution. 
MINERALOGY. 
The most important contribution to this science during the 
quarter has been Bernhard von Cotta’s ‘ Treatise on Lithology ’* in 
* ‘Rocks Classified and Described: a Treatise on Lithology.’ By Bernhard 
von Cotta. An English edition, by Philip Henry Lawrence. Longman, 
Green, & Co. 
2Fr2 
