Intelligence and Miscellaneous Articles. 75 



likely to have their intelligence and skill advanced by the 

 most obvious means for doing so. 



" As to the first, it is well known that one effect of late efforts 

 in mining in England has been to deepen the mines with a 

 rapidity totally unprecedented, to consolidate smaller concerns 

 into larger ones, to explore more perfectly the ground in all 

 directions, to adapt means that might render labour produc- 

 tive of profit, to stimulate the labourer by combining his in- 

 terest with that of his employer, to watch every symptom with 

 care, and to employ every device that ingenuity could suggest to 

 overcome difficulties. It must then obviously follow that there 

 is a greater demand for skill in the conduct of these affairs, as 

 the mines are increasing in depth and extent ; numerous ex- 

 pedients to counterbalance these difficulties are required ; and 

 as the expenses increase, compensation must be looked for in 

 the aids that science may afford." 



In the foregoing description of the progress made in the art 

 of mining, Mr. Taylor does in fact trace the history of his own 

 labours. Those who are conversant with what has been done 

 since the beginning of the century, know how much of it may 

 be ascribed to him. 



The prospectus affords ample evidence not only of his zeal 

 in the cause he advocates, but of the remarkable talent for 

 organization and administration which from the first had dis- 

 tinguished his practical career. After pointing out the need 

 for a school of mines, Mr. Taylor proceeds to what he calls the 

 detail, which he arranges under the following heads : — 



" 1. The things most proper to be taught. 



1 ( 2. The class of persons who may be expected to be scholars. 



et 3. The professors. 



" 4. The situation of a school of mines. 



" 5. The probable expense of the institution. 



" 6. The means of providing the necessary funds. 



" 7. The government or direction." 



Each of these heads is treated specially, and shows not only 

 perfect acquaintance with the whole matter to be considered, 

 but perfect judgment and good sense. Nothing is proposed to 

 be done or learned in order to give an air of scientific depth to 

 the studies ; no curious but inapplicable research, or ambitious 

 flights into purely speculative regions are attempted ; the end 

 is kept steadily in view, and the road to it distinctly marked out. 



This plan, excellent as it was, met with no encouragement 

 at the time. It was, however, adopted some years after. 

 The School of Mines which now exists, though he had no 

 active share in its establishment, may be traced to Mr. Tay- 

 lor's earnest representations. 



