REMARKABLE ARRANGEMENT OF COAL BEDS. 107 



view being different, is so ordered as to result 

 in the formation of an admirable fuel, for the 

 convenience of man. Decay in this case cer- 

 tainly takes place, but in so peculiar a manner, 

 as to effect an alteration in the wood, which 

 almost preventing further change, yet sup- 

 plies an inestimable economical product, the 

 very source of greatness and power to nations, 

 of comfort, and even of existence, to large 

 masses of mankind. 



This peculiar decomposition in the production 

 of coal is a beautiful example of the chemistry 

 of creation. And in connexion with the sub- 

 ject, it is interesting to notice the wonderful 

 manner in which the masses of coal have been 

 arranged, in the great storehouse of the earth, 

 for the use and convenience of man. " What," 

 says Dr. Fownes, " can be more striking than 

 the aspect of an English coal-field, where iron- 

 ore of excellent kind lies interstratified with the 

 fuel necessary to reduce it? Where the lime- 

 stone used as a flux, and even the very grit and 

 fire-clay to build the furnace, are all to be found 

 in one and the same series, often within a few 

 yards of each other ?" If, in fact, the ore and 

 the fuel were not thus nearly placed together, 

 this invaluable metal, iron, would become of so 

 high a price, as to render it comparatively 

 unavailable for the general purposes of man. 



