629 
part, — I refer to the papers of Messrs. Carter and Braken- 
ridge. I wish to avoid any observation calculated to convey 
the idea and impression that I do not fully appreciate the 
efforts they have put forth ; and I hope the most valuable 
results will follow from the plan they unitedly advocate, 
for I believe their views are entirely in unison, and I 
presume I should not be wrong in stating that they have the 
support of many respectable proprietors," inspectors, engi- 
neers, and viewers; and, indeed, there cannot be any 
objection to the method they advocate, designated ventilation 
on the ascending principle, when viewed in the abstract. 
I regard it entirely as an abstract proposition, but it is at 
present very generally adopted, especially in deep mines, 
where much of the coal has to be won from the dip of the 
working shafts ; but this they do not recognise, they advocate 
the up-cast shaft on the extreme rise of the estate, however 
extensive ; this was the case in Mr. Brakenridge's plan. 
Mr. Carter did not accompany his paper with a proposed 
plan for working, but I think I shall be right in stating he 
fully concurred in the system proposed by Mr. Brakenridge; 
and the objections, I think, were chiefly raised on the details 
of the plan exhibited. But, perhaps, it will not be saying 
too much that it is altogether impracticable. For my own 
part I never could see any decided advantage in the principle 
itself; the difference, if any at all, is simply in the power 
required to force the requisite current of air to any given 
point or workings in the mine, whether it be the extreme rise 
or dip, and whatever may be the plan of working, the 
principle is the same. It is a question of distance, area, 
and power. As there will not be two opinions on the fact, 
that the gas, in a passive state, must be moved and carried 
off, and as the tendency of air is from the shallower to 
the deeper shaft in natural ventilation, I could not 
suppose a greater fallacy than Mr. Brakenridge's prin- 
