Coal Mines luorled in France. 1 63 



places, but hitherto without fuccefs. From the report of 

 C Duhamel, infpeiSor of the mines, it however appears 

 that thofe begun at Fcugiierolies, at a fmall diftance from 

 Caen, deferve 10 be prolecuted. 



Dtpartment of CanfaU 



This department (13), fo interefling to natural hiftory, and 

 in particular on account of the anticnt volcanoes found in it, 

 is not abundant in coal mines. It is only in the north-welt, 

 in the diflricl comprehended between Mauriac and JBort, that 

 fonie colleiiiliions of this combuftible are difcovered. 



It appears that the fmall quantity of pits dug are only at 

 the furface, and have been dutj in a very irregular manner- 

 We have no accurate informaii.in in regard to the quantity of 

 coals extrafted, or to the price. Tbefe mines, however, which 

 are not far from the courfe of the Dordogne, and from the 

 place where that river is navigable for boats, might by thefe 

 means obtain a very extenfive confumption, and deferve to be 

 worked with greater care. 



Departments of Charente and Lowir Charcnte. 



There are no coal mines worked in thefe two departments, 

 and therefore they are obliged to procure their fuel from 

 others. The ports of Rochelle and Rochefort may receiva 

 and give circulation to the coals carried thither bv fea from, 

 the departments of the North or from England, or thofe con- 

 veyed by the internal navigation, and which might be fsnt 

 to La Gironde by the Tarn, the Lot, and La Dordogne. 



Department of the Cher. 



No coal mines are worked in tiiis department; but it might 

 be fupplied in abundance with coals of an excellent quality 

 by the Cher, if that river were rendered navigable with more 

 fafety to above Saint-Amand, which would require very 

 little expenfe. The rich collections of coal of Commentrv, 

 and the other fttata lately difcovered in the environs of 

 Meaulne, in the department of Allier, would obtain a con- 

 fumption, which is at prefent wanting; and the workin.c^ of 

 iheni would give life to thefe cantons, and would concur 

 with the products of the valuable forges in the department 

 of Cher to increr.fc the mctins of induftry in that country. 



Department of Correze. 



Coals are dug up in fcvcral communes of this department 



(i^), and a great many indications of this cnmbu(Hble are 



found in it. The communes where the belt known mines are 



M 2 now 



