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.VI,-- 



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The writer's business engagements frequently call 

 him into the mines, and it is always a very pleasurable 

 sio-ht to see the wonderful control exercised over the 

 strone, well-corned animals there to be found from year's 

 end to year's end, and which so seldom see day-light that 

 they become restive at the appearance of strangers. 

 The amount of work these horses are capable of doing, and 

 the condition in which they are invariably kept, is a 

 striking example to many above ground, especially when 

 it is considered that they are principally controlled by 

 mere lads. Of course there are properly qualified persons 

 appointed to superintend the horses, and look after their 

 health, &c., and, it must be admitted that their general 

 appearance reflects great credit upon those concerned, and 

 speaks volumes in favour of the systems adopted under- 

 ofround. 



The Stables in connection with the Cannock Chase 

 Colliery Company's Mines, and many others in that 

 district, would surprise most persons accustomed to horses 

 and stable routine on the surface. Down the one 

 mine alone the writer has seen as many as 150 horses — all 

 fat and happy — seemingly far more contented than many 

 to be seen in our streets, which alone is the result of the 

 excellent rules laid down by the managers, and adhered to 

 by the horse-keepers. Everything calculated to contribute 

 to the comfort and safety, or in other words, for the 

 welfare of all concerned below is well considered, special 

 attention is given to gas lighting, whitewashing, and 

 ventilation. 



The dray horses of the Midland Railway Company 

 are particularly noticeable for their cleanliness and good 

 condition. Regular attention appears to be paid to the 

 harness — it being always kept thoroughly sound. The 

 contented manner in which the horses stand in the public 

 streets (in all weathers), for loading and unloading, and 



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