255 



The difference between this -and the 365,450 tons given on the preceding page arises 

 from the deficiency of returns from some of the smaller ports. 



The total increase in the quantity of coal carried by railways and by canals in 1872, 

 as compared with that distributed in 1871, as shown in the returns obtained, is, as 

 stated, 4,305,617 tons. There are some not very important lines carrying coal, from 

 which returns have not been received ; and we have no returns of the quantities 

 carried by carts, or private railways or trams, directly from the pit's mouth to the 

 manufactory, or for the supply of towns. This, however, would not appear to have 

 been largely increased over former years. The following computation of the coal 

 used in our metallurgies, which is based upon information received directly from 

 the smelters and ironmasters, shows that in that direction the increase in consumption 

 has been very small : 



Coal used in Smelting, Refining, DesUverising, ^c., of Metals in 

 the United Kingdom, 



