On the Tenasserim Coal Field. 427 



The total depth of these beds ascertained, is 500 feet. There is every 

 reasonable probability of their containing the six feet seam of coal 

 (a most convenient size for working) as indicated at d and d, and 

 within this mass of coal-bearing strata, there may be other beds 

 of workable coal. Experiments below the lowest beds here seen, 

 would not, I think, be attended with success. 



22. The superficial area covered by the portion of the bed of coal 

 on this side of the river considered workable, I estimate at 280 acres. 

 Its dip varies from 12° to the N. E. by N. at the northern extremity 

 C D, to 9° and 7° to the S. E. by S. at its southern edge A B. It 

 crops out at the surface at the two points d d, and to the eastward of 

 a line joining these points, for the distance of 440 yards, it may 

 be reached at any depth not exceeding 50 fathoms from the river 

 level. Experimental shafts are in progress near the points d d, 

 but pits for work should be placed first along the line e g, parallel to 

 d d, and distant 160 yards, where the coal will be found at 100 feet 

 below the same level, provided the field is not otherwise broken 

 up by more faults and dykes than the two longitudinal igneous dykes 

 represented in the plan. No indication of such further disturbance 

 has been yet observed, but to provide for the contingency, I should 

 recommend that the line for pit- work should be kept, as above suggest- 

 ed, within a moderate distance to the eastward of the line of outcrop of 

 coal. The ground near this line is low and favorable for work, and 

 coal may be raised at either end of the bed at 500 yards from the river, 

 and lowered from the bank over deep water. 



23. It would lead however only to disappointment if work be 

 commenced on this side of the river, without some important addi- 

 tions to the machinery at present available. The engine itself is 

 of old construction, and requires frequent repair, but for power 

 it is effective when in order. Its speed, 40 revolutions per minute, is 

 not adapted for mining purposes, which must be reduced to 15 per 

 minute by additional wheel- work to make it available as a pumping 

 engine. The rest of the machinery on the spot consists of one for- 

 cing pump, five in diameter, and 10-inch lift without air-vessels, three 

 suction pipes five inches in diameter and — feet lift without pipes, 

 seventy-two feet of 3-inch pipe, and two iron winches worked by hand. 

 These, excepting the winches, are too small for use, and pumps of proper 

 dimensions are indispensably necessary, and should be supplied before 



