132 PAPERS, ETC. 
in this valuable mineral, and as able to answer 
largely the future demand. Many of the ancient 
pits may be drained and worked to advantage, on 
the present improved system. No coal has been 
found south of the Mendip range; but since the 
mountain limestone dips beneath the marshes, 
towards the Quantock hills, it seems probable that 
there exists an intermediate basin beneath the red 
marl, which forms the uppermost sub-stratum in this 
alluvial tract.” 
This information Mr. Rutter says he obtained 
chiefly from Buckland’s «and Conybeare’s obser- 
vations on the south western coal district of England. 
How wonderful is the providential care for man, 
which is exemplified in the vast stores of coal, pre- 
served from the exuberant vegetation of an early 
era of creation, to be opened at the times when they 
were especially required !—-In the early period of 
man’s abode on earth, indeed in the early times 
of most nations, forests supplied fuel; but as mul- 
titudes of the human race spread over the world, 
and their wants increased, they were directed to 
the stores which had been so marvellously pre- 
served for them. 
Philosophers have anticipated the exhaustion of 
some of the coal distriets, and speculated on the 
inconvenience that will arise; others encourage us 
with a hope that, before this time shall have arrived, 
more refined, less dangerous, and less laborious 
means of supplying light and heat for all our in- 
creasing wants, will have been discovered. 
