On the Tenasserim Coal Field. 423 



English bituminous coal, was estimated as four to three during a short 

 trial, and from 10 to 12 lbs. per horse per hour. I have heard how- 

 ever other statements which are not so favourable. I find that a ton 

 weight of the loose coal occupies 165 cubic feet. There are at 

 present about 100 tons at Mergui, and I would suggest, that a careful 

 trial be made of this quantity, to ascertain its real effect in the duty of 

 steam engines. 



13. I proceeded to trace the connection of the bed with the adjoin- 

 ing rocks, and to ascertain if possible, the position of the coal beds 

 of this locality. The ground had been penetrated in four other places 

 besides the mine, marked 2, 3, 4, 5, in the plan, all in its imme- 

 diate neighbourhood. No. 2 shaft passed through the six feet bed 

 at the same level as in the mine, and it was found to dip at the 

 same angle ; below this, smaller seams, not exceeding one foot, alter- 

 nated with seams of under-clay for 1 8 feet ; 20 feet of a quartzose 

 rock and conglomerate were penetrated afterwards, and the shaft then 

 discontinued for want of means to get the water out. The object 

 of this sinking was to find deeper coal. A detached fragment of coal 

 containing some bitumen was found. No. 3 shaft was driven through 

 40 feet of shale with vegetable impressions, covered only by the soil, 

 and abandoned. No. 4 shaft was sunk with reference to future work ; 

 after going through the clays and sands at the surface, and 61 feet 

 of conglomerate, dipping in like manner with the coal, it stopped at 

 95 feet, till means should be available for carrying it deeper ; it being 

 the intention to move the engine here at the commencement of the 

 monsoon, when the old work would be no longer tenable, and if the 

 dip of the coal continued the same, it was expected to be reached 

 at 300 feet. Boring No. 5 was carried 40 feet lower than this 

 shaft, but without shewing any indications which could be relied 

 upon. 



14. It will be seen on the plan, that the site of these shafts is in the 

 immediate vicinity of the central part of the minor range of hills on 

 the west bank of the river before noticed ; their steep slopes extend 

 within 250 yards of Nos. 1, 2, and 3, which are either upon or close 

 to the upturned edge of the bed of coal. As this, as well as all the 

 accompanying strata penetrated, rested at the inconvenient angle of 

 not less than 24 degrees, my first objects were to ascertain the ex- 

 tent of the coal field, and whether the same or other beds might not 

 be found in a position more convenient for practical purposes. 



