212 ROYAL COMMISSION ON COAL. [l869. 



of which are covered by various deposits, and wherein 

 coal exists at greater depths than those of the present 

 workings, I am bound specially to record my admira- 

 tion of the researches of one of my colleagues. In his 

 examination of the Bristol and Gloucester coal- basin, 

 this distinguished geologist, Mr Joseph Prestwich, has 

 shown on large maps and elaborate sections, the results 

 of much close work, that in this tract alone there re- 

 mains untouched an -amount of coal which, if worked 

 to a maximum depth of 2000 feet (a depth now reached 

 in some coal-pits), will last during a period of 850 years 

 at the present rate of consumption ! 



" The evidences on which this cheering estimate are 

 founded are given by Mr Prestwich himself in his 

 Special Report as one of the Royal Commissioners." 



J. Prestwich to Sir Rod. I. Murchison. 



SHOREHAM, nr. SEVENOAKS, 24JA Oct. 1869. 



MY DEAR SIR KODERICK, Many thanks for your kind note 

 and friendly proposal to notice my work in the Bristol coal- 

 field. I can assure you I very much value the approval of so 

 old and valued a friend, and my early leader in geology. I 

 have no alteration to suggest in your paragraph except " Somer- 

 setshire " for " Bristol," and instead of " will last during a period 

 of 850 years at the present [rate] of consumption," it should be, 

 " would suffice for the consumption of the district now supplied 

 by that coal-field for a period of 850 years at the present rate of 

 consumption," for my estimates referred only to the local supply 

 and consumption. Believe me to be, my dear Sir Koderick, 

 yours truly and obliged, Jos. PRESTWICH. 



Professor Huxley's term of office as President of the 

 Geological Society being about to expire, the choice 

 fell upon Prestwich as his successor. 



