65 
is to filch the black diamonds from the grasp of this power- 
ful enemy with the least possible expenditure of life and 
force. In my opinion a little of military obedience and 
tactics might be introduced with advantage into the struggle 
maintained between the coalminer and the fire damp. It is 
well known that the safety of an army, when before an 
enemy, is much improved by keeping a good look out at a 
considerable distance and in every possible direction. Ve- 
dettes are usually stationed on the outposts of an army for 
the express purpose of watching the movements of the 
enemy, and to give timely notice of his approach. By this 
means the evils which frequently follow a surprise are con- 
siderably diminished, and sufficient time is given for the 
army to retreat or otherwise with advantage if the enemy 
is too strong. Many illustrations of this simple and obvious 
principle may be found in the common affairs of every-day 
life, but the above is sufficient to show tlie force of my argu- 
ment in reference to the dangers met with in coalmines. 
Why the army of coalminers should be deprived of a system 
which affords so many obvious advantages is a question 
which should receive immediate and serious consideration 
from every lover of humanity, A system of vedettes should 
therefore be at once adopted in coalmines to watch the 
movements and strength of the fire damp. 
1. A vedette, armed with ample knowledge of the proper- 
ties of fire damp, should be placed at the various outposts 
of the mine where the enemy is likely to appear. His duty 
should be to watch, constantly and carefully, over the safety 
of the miners, and not allow them to remain at work until 
the enemy is upon them. 
2. Miners should not be allowed to work where it is 
