176 RANIGANJ COAL FIELD. [Pt. II. CHAP. II. 



danger to the new mine at Raniganj,* and it has been found 

 necessary, throughout the field, to raise all the dust, shale, and small 

 coal, and to keep the mine perfectly clear. At present much small 

 coal finds a market, being used for brick and lime burning upon the 

 railway, and generally, for buildings, in .Bengal; large quantities, 

 however, are thrown .away, and heaps are constantly to be seen 

 burning around most of the mines. 



Many absurdities in the general system of colliery management 



are gradually disappearing;, as the increased size 



Improvements in me- & J L L ° 



thods - of the collieries, the value of the property, and 



the large capital invested, have rendered it advisable to apply greater 

 knowledge and skill to the workings. Until lately, many foolish 

 practices were prevalent. That of commencing from quarries upon the 

 out-crop, and working downward, has already been adverted to. 

 Among other disadvantages, one result of this system was amusing 

 from its absurdity. The pumps were very soon left behind by the 

 work, and, instead of their draining the mine, all the portion below 

 them, upon the dip of the seam, became filled by water. This 

 was generally raised to the pumps by hand labor. This system or 

 want of system was universal a few years since, and may still be 

 seen in some mines. But, in the larger collieries, great improve- 

 ments have taken place, and some would well bear comparison with 

 English collieries of the same size. Raniganj mine is the largest 

 and best worked. It has all the advantages of belonging to a wealthy 

 corporation, and of being better situated with regard to railway 

 carriage than any other ; its out-turn exceeds that of any other mine, 

 and its workings underground extend for more than half a mile in two 

 directions. 



* A portion of the present colliery at Chokidanga took fire early in the present season, 1861, 

 and is still burning (May). This accident has very seriously interfered with the present 

 out-turn of this valuable colliery. — T. Oldham. 



