Reports and Proceedings. 323 
Lower Delph. The new sinkings on Horner Hill, Cradley, were 
next visited. This is altogether a new mining centre, though 
it really belongs to what may be termed the Coal-field proper. 
Messrs. J. Evers and Sons have commenced operations, and have 
already reached the Brooch-coal, at a depth of 116 yards. Mr. J. E. 
Swindell, the senior member of the firm, met the party, and ex- 
plained the most noteworthy features in connection with the colliery, 
The engine-house is a very lofty and spacious building. The engine 
is of vertical construction, 40-horse power, with 4-feet stroke, and 
cylinders 22 inches in diameter. ‘There is a self-acting steam-break, 
by which the possibility of oyer-winding is very ingeniously pre- 
vented. Great interest was shown in the inspection of these plants, 
which afford such a marked contrast to the rudely constructed ap- 
pliances which South Staffordshire has long been content to use; and 
it is to hoped that not a few will be impressed with the advisability 
of adopting the modern improvements, whenever new sinkings are 
commenced. Mr. Swindell justly observed, that it was high time 
South Staffordshire should cease to be contented with the clumsy 
methods of getting coal which have been so long in use. On the 
top of the adjoining hill, commanding a fine prospect of the south- 
western part of the Coal-field, the Rev. J. H. Thompson gave an 
address on the botanical and geological features of the district. 
The principal geological facts connected with the district were 
lucidly explained, and illustrated by numerous diagrams and sections. 
At the close, a vote of thanks was given to Mr. Thompson for his 
interesting address; and the party then proceeded to the new British 
Iron Company’s works at Congreaves. Here they spent a short 
time in examining the engine; after which the two largest fur- 
naces were ‘tapped,’ and the process of casting was witnessed by the 
Members from the top of the furnace gangway. The Hawn new 
sinkings (belonging to the Company) were next visited, the parties 
passing along the newly constructed railway. The works are here 
only just commenced, and at present are stopped until the pumping- 
engine is erected to carry off the water, which is rather abundant. 
It was found absolutely necessary to leave out the latter part of the 
programme, which referred to the sinkings at Manor Farm, near 
Hales Owen. 
Dinner was provided at the Shenstone Hotel. The Venerable Arch- 
deacon Hone occupied the chair, and, after dinner, proposed a vote 
of thanks to the gentlemen who had so kindly given assistance to 
the Society during the day. These were—Mr. James Fisher, The 
Hayes; Messrs. King Brothers, and Messrs. Harper and Moore, Crad- 
ley Park; Mr. J. G. Swindell, Homer Hill; Rev. J. H. Thompson; 
Mr. J. P. Hunt, Corngreaves. 
The next meeting is to be held at Oxford and its immediate neigh- 
bourhood.—Birmingham Daily Post, May 18. 
IV. The Annual Meeting was held on Tuesday, June 6th, at the 
Museum, Dudley. The report for the past year states that Field- 
meetings have been held at Cannock Chase, Cheltenham, Llangollen, 
Hagley, Great Barr, Warwick, and Hednesford. Meetings of Ordi- 
veo 
a 
