196 KHASI HILLS. 



of recent mining operations would suggest much more simple and less 

 Expensive plans of operation than have been proposed with reference 

 to Cberra Poonjee. 



Nor does it at all come within my subject to discuss the probabili- 

 ty or improbability of such prices being obtained for this coal, as would 

 yield a profit on its working. The changing condition of the markets ; 

 the ever-varying charges for freight, &c., of imjDorted coals ; and the 

 constant alterations in the amount of demand and other considerations, 

 all so materially affect the question of profit on such undertakings, that 

 any opinion founded on an imperfect acquaintance with the general com- 

 merce of the country would be of little value. I have therefore pur- 

 posely confined my observations to an examination of the mode of oc- 

 currence of the coal, its extent and character, the cost under existing 

 arrangements for conveying the coal to market, and the schemes which 

 have been jDroposed for its more economical transport. 



The quality of the coal at Cherra has been so frequently spoken of, 

 and written about, as being '• greatly superior to the Burdwan" (in the 

 ratio of 12 to 10, or even of 5 to 4, it is said), and as "being fully 

 equal in ever}' respect to English coal," that it may be desirable to 

 give a word of caution on this subject, lest some might be misled by 

 such loose statements. The Cherra coal is undoubtedly superior to the 

 coal from the Damoodah valley ; and, to the average of that coEil, as it 

 has been hitherto supplied to the Calcutta market, after nearl}' two 

 years' exposure, it is possibly superior in the ratios mentioned before ; 

 and it is equally certain that it is equal to some English coals, but it 

 is as certainly inferior to others. It is quick in its action, and there- 

 fore would generate steam rapidly : it cakes well biit gives out a large 

 amount of smoke : it splits easily and from the absence of that definite 

 structure, which produces the planes of division known to English 

 miners as " backs," or the joints in the coal, it breaks into unsymme- 

 trical pieces, and consequently would not stow well. From its composi- 



