PROSPECTIVE VIEW TO THE USES OF MAN. 537 
have been the periods, at which these materials of 
future beneficial dispensations were laid up in 
store, we may fairly assume, that, besides the 
immediate purposes effected at, or before the time 
The destruction of Coals on the fiery heaps near Newcastle, 
although diminished, still goes on, however, to a frightful extent, 
that ought not to be permitted ; since the inevitable consequence 
of this practice, if allowed to continue, must be, in no long space 
of time, to consume all the beds nearest to the surface, and 
readiest of access to the coast ; and thus enhance the price of 
Coal in those parts of England which depend upon the Coal- 
field of Newcastle for their supply ; and finally to exhaust this 
Coal-field, at a period, nearer by at least one third, than that to 
which it would last, if wisely economized. (See Report of the 
Select Committee of the House of Commons, on the state of 
the Coal Trade, 1830, p. 242, and Bakewell's Introduction 
to Geology, 1833, p. 183 and 543.) 
We are all fully aware of the impolicy of needless legislative 
interference ; but a broad line has been drawn by nature between 
commodities annually or periodically reproduced by the Soil on 
its surface, and that subterranean treasure, and sustaining founda- 
tion of Industry, which is laid by Nature in strata of mineral Coal, 
whose amount is limited, and which, when once exhausted, is gone 
for ever. As the Law most justly interferes to prevent the wanton 
destruction of life and property, it should seem also to be its 
duty to prevent all needless waste of mineral fuel ; since the ex- 
haustion of this fuel would irrecoverably paralyze the industry 
of millions. The Tenant of the soil may neglect, or cultivate his 
lands, and dispose of his produce, as caprice or interest may 
dictate ; the surface of his fields is not consumed, but remains 
susceptible of tillage by his successor; had he the physical 
power to annihilate the Land, and thereby inflict an irremediable 
injury upon posterity, the legislature would justly interfere to 
prevent such destruction of the future resources of the nation. 
This highly favoured Country, has been enriched with mineral 
treasures in her strata of Coal, incomparably more precious than 
