BRITAIN'S COAL CELLARS. 79 



It should be added, however, that Mr. Stanley Jevons 

 mentioned 200,000 millions of tons as the probable 

 limit of the coal supplies of Great Britain. 



The opinion of Mr. Jevons respecting the probable 

 rate of increase of our consumption was not accepted 

 by the generality of those who examined the subject 

 in 1865 and 1866. There were some, indeed, who 

 considered that the assumption was 'absurd in every 

 point of view.' In one sense, indeed, Mr. Jevons him- 

 self would have been ready to admit that his estimates 

 would not be justified by the result. The observed 

 rate of increase could not possibly be maintained 

 beyond a certain epoch, simply because there would 

 not be enough men to work the coal mines to the extent 

 required. But, regarding the increase as indicating 

 the requirements of the kingdom, it would matter 

 little whether the necessary supply failed for want of 

 coal or for want of the means of raising the coal. In 

 other words, removing the question from the arena of 

 geological dispute, and considering only the require- 

 ments of the country, we should have this disagreeable 

 conclusion forced upon us, if Mr. Jevons's estimate is 

 just, that England will not be able, a century, or even 

 half a century hence, to get as many coals from her 

 subterranean cellars as she will then require. She may 

 have the coals, but she will not have men enough to 

 bring them to bank. 



It is, perhaps, in this aspect, that the question 

 assumes its chief interest for us. Eightly understood, 

 the statements of Mr. Jevons were of vital importance ; 



