1839.] Coal Field at Ta-tha\j-yna. 387 



lour ; one hour and six minutes elapsed before the hundred grains were 

 totally consumed, the residuum was greyish ashes — from 100 parts 28 

 remained of them. The ashes subjected to chemical analysis were 

 found to consist of silica and alumina, with scarcely a vestige of iron. 



1. Generally speaking the coal is very good; but one great de- 

 „,, , feet cannot be concealed, and this is, that some parts 



The coal consi- ' ' r 



dered in a practical of it are highly pyritiferous, the pyrites intersect- 

 ing it in thin laminae of a silver- white, somewhat 

 yellowish colour. Fortunately only some parts are thus deteriorated, 

 but even these it is to be hoped will not be lost, as the thin layers of 

 pyrites are easily separated; that part of the coal which cannot be 

 conveniently rendered destitute of this bi-sulphuret of iron ought to 

 be rejected, which necessary selection will have an influence, perhaps 

 materially, upon the price of the coal. 



We can at present speak only of the coal near to the surface and ex- 

 posed partially to atmospheric influence, but it is to be hoped that the 

 coal will be much purer the farther it is from the surface. 



2. The pure coal (free from pyrites) burns freely and open ; trans- 

 formed into coke it bakes a little together. It emits in the beginning 

 copious flames, which are blackish grey, and unmixed with sulphuric 

 vapours. 



General results. a. That the coke of this coal is well adapted for 

 smithy purposes. 



b. That the coal (excepting always the pyritiferous strata, especially 

 near to the surface) is remarkably pure, and fit to burn as fuel in chim- 

 neys. 



c. That the coal consumes slowly, maintains a considerable degree 

 of heat, and leaves a residuum of only three per cent at the highest, and 

 that it is therefore adapted for steam purposes. 



d. That it is inferior to the Cannel coal on the little Tenasserim for 

 the generation of gas, on account of the smaller per centage of bitumen. 



The locality for transport is very favourable ; and the greatest advan- 

 Locality with re- tage consists in the almost total absence of land car- 



terence to access, ° 



transport. riage. 



The present coal field lies on the western side of the Tenasserim, 1712 

 paces following the road, and probably not more than 400 fathoms in 

 a straight line from the river. 



The Tenasserim notwithstanding its long course, continues to be a 

 mountain stream even when already under the influence of the tides. 

 As such it has a rapid current, numerous shallows, annually chang- 

 ing banks, and shifting shoals. During the dry season it is at the place 



*SicinM.S.-EDs. 



3 E 



