148 UNDEVELOPED COAL FIELDS OF NOVA SCOTIA GILP1N. 



The following analyses will show the character of these 

 " coals :" 



1 11 



Volatile Combustible Matter 17.80 36.72 



Fixed Carbon 29.04 46.64 



Ash 53.16 16.64 



At present, of course, the interest of the prospector in the 

 unexplored portions of the coal fields of Cape Breton lies in the 

 hope of discovering seams which will compete in size with those 

 now being worked. All things being considered a seam of coal 

 about six feet thick can be worked as economically as a larger- 

 one and more cheaply than a smaller one. As this paper is 

 written with as much reference to the future as to the present 

 status of the coal industry, it is fair to remember that coal seams 

 with a much less thickness than six feet often acquire more than 

 a local value. From the recently published report of the inves- 

 tigation of the British Iron Trade Association into the conditions 

 affecting the iron industries of Belgium and Germany, a reference 

 can be given directly bearing on this point. The official reports 

 of the Belgian Government show that the average depth of the 

 Belgian coal pits was 1,400 feet, and the average thickness of 

 the worked seam was 2.08 feet. 



In Germany, the same report states, the official returns show 

 the average thickness of the worked seams to be 3.28 feet. It is 

 plain from these figures that in these countries a large number 

 of very thin seams must be worked to give so low an average 

 thickness. Connected with this point the figures given by the 

 report as to the cost of the coal at the pit head in these countries 

 is interesting. The cost is in Belgian about $1.75, in Germany 

 about $1.60, and in England about $1.45 per ton. 



The discovery therefore in the areas referred to of seams of 

 coal, even though they be smaller than those at present worked, 

 is of value, as locating future reserves of fuel. The work so far 

 done has proved that very large areas in these districts present 

 seams at present available to the coal miner so far as their size 



