336 Mr. Bvddle on Mining Records 



As has already been observed, the principal feeders of water which are 

 to be found in the colliery were met with in sinking the pits, but they were 

 effectually stopped back by tubbing and wedging, so that, at this period, a 

 55 horse engine, going easily 18 hours per day, drains the colliery to the 

 depth of the Main Coal Seam. No water has been met with either in the 

 strata or seams of coal below this seam. Indeed, very little water was met 

 with in sinking any of the pits below the seventy fathom post. 



The largest feeders were met with in the lower part of the Grindstone 

 Post, but the tubbing and wedging by which they are stopped back is of 

 so firm and durable a nature that it will last for an indefinite period. 



It is curious enough that the water in the A, B, and G pits, to the 

 depth of 30 to 40 fathoms, is fresh or but slightly brackish, while all the 

 water below is strongly saline. It was, therefore, necessary to supply the 

 the horses in those pits with fresh water from the surface. The water in 

 all the other pits was quite sweet and fresh, and was drank by both men 

 and horses. 



The C and D pits are only about a mile from the river. It is, therefore, 

 clear that the salt water springs do not extend to that distance from the 

 river ; and, as the springs are fresh for 20 or 30 fathoms below the bed of 

 the river, the salt water springs can hardly be supposed to have their sup- 

 ply from the river, especially as its waters are only salt during spring-tides. 

 It is, therefore, probable that the salt water in the lower strata is formed 

 by percolation through some salt rock which has hitherto escaped obser- 

 vation. 



Towards the termination of the working of the main coal seam, the 

 quantity of inflammable air greatly abated, but a great increase of the car- 

 bonic acid gas — the stytlie of the colliers — ensued. 



It does not occur to me that I can add any thing further in illustration 

 of this subject. My object is to direct the attention of others to the im- 

 portance of recording mining operations accurately ; and I would observe 

 to those who may concur in opinion with me on the subject, that they 

 should not be deterred from giving very full and detailed accounts, from the 

 apprehension of being considered too prolix or tedious, as on such a subject 

 it is more excusable to say too much than too little. 



