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and rivers were forsaken, and the coalfields became the homes of 

 the manufacturers. Changes of this description have been very 

 marked and apparent, but our coal supply is not illimitable and 

 one of the questions we must steadfastly face is possible exhaus- 

 tion of the coal measures. It thus behoves us to take the greatest 

 possible care of our coal supplies that succeeding generations 

 may not suffer from our deliberate wastefulness. Electric power 

 is in part a solution to the case. Central generating and supply 

 stations with distributing stations economically worked have 

 effected considerable saving and still promise further economy 

 'as the principle of linking up becomes facilitated. 



Thus the introduction of steam and electricity not only closed 

 the riverside and windmills, but it produced great movements 

 amongst the industrial population. The coal-bearing lands 

 became the great hives of industry and the rush to the coal pit has 

 been more marked and lasting than the great rushes which have 

 raged like fevers about a newly discovered gold or diamond field. 

 Fortunately for England, coal and iron have been abundant and 

 in close proximity, and with care will probably last many years 

 to come. Had it not been so industries and manufactures could 

 not have assumed the gigantic proportions they have. Fortun- 

 ately, too, the limestone belt is nowhere far from the coal- 

 measures, and these have contributed in no small degree to our 

 sound financial position. We are for this reason " A nation of 

 shopkeepers,' 'and the intended derision is now our national pride. 

 The coal districts are important not only on account of the coal 

 they supply, but on account of the industries associated with the 

 production of coal. As an example we have the textile industry, 

 for before the introduction of coal and steam the machines of 

 Hargreaves, Arkwright, and Crompton were driven mainly by 

 water power. After the invention of steam, mills were erected in 

 the coal fields and the factory system was thus inaugurated, so 

 that a large proportion of the population was moved bodily from 

 the South and East, to the Midlands and the North. 



In spite of the fact that England is deficient in the precious 

 stones and the noble metals, the deficiency is more than com- 

 pensated for in our mining productiveness. England is the most 

 productive mining country in the world. 



There are five distinct reasons for this. 



(a) The abundant supplies of coal, iron, and limestone, 

 often found together. 



(b) The coalfields are widely distributed over the country. 



(c) The coalfields are for the most part situated near ex- 



cellent and natural harbours, or close to navigable 

 waters of rivers and canals. 



(d) The nearness to the great commercial nations of 



Europe and the consequent and easy exchange. 



