346 
PROCEEDINGS, 1859—1870. 
Mr. E. Sewell read a paper on some Geological features of 
Rombolds Moor, and Mr. Walter Rowley, mining engineer, of Leeds, 
contributed some observations on Coal and Coal-mining and the 
economical working of our Coal-fields. Mr, Rowley described in detail 
the two methods of coal-getting in Yorkshire, viz., the pillar and 
stall and long-wall systems. He strongly advocated getting the coal 
on the latter system on end, by which means the coal is worked or 
broken oif at right angles to its natural cleavage, and is obtained in 
much larger pieces than by working it along the face. He was of 
opinion that the extension of this system in coal-mining was the 
pioneer paving the way for the working at gTeater depths than we are 
accustomed to at present ; for, under no system of pillar workings 
could we get adequate ventilation at such depths as necessity will 
compel those following after us to venture to ; when it is necessary to 
work at depths of 1,200 yards and upwards we should strive to convey 
all the air we can collect direct to the working faces unimpaired, avoid- 
ing all structures or courses which would so diminish the amount as to 
render the ventilation totally inadequate. He considered that it 
would also pave the way for the extensive use of machinery in coal- 
getting. Already several inventions had been made for the purpose 
of getting coal both by hydraulic aud compressed air machines, which 
he trusted might afford material for an interesting paper at another 
time. 
In April, 1868, Mr. A. H. Green, who was then engaged making a 
Geological Survey of the Yorkshire Coal-field, wrote to the Rev. Scott 
F. Surtees, drawing his attention to the fact that he and his colleague, 
Mr. Holmes, had picked up a number of flint-flakes and some rude 
fragments of pottery at CHfton Common, near Conisboro'. This drew 
Mr. Surtees' attention to the district, and he found a number of pit 
dwellings which had formed an old British camp, one of the most 
perfect and symmetrical in England. The pits are in parallel rows, 
as if for defence as well as for habitation. The site is singularly well 
chosen to command a ford of the river, which is still called Strafl'ord 
Sands. " Stratfod," the ford of the great Roman strata or street, 
running north and south. On the hill on which these pits occur is 
obtained one of the most extensive views in this part of the country, 
