66 
unsafe to fire a shot or expose a naked light. For men to 
work several hours in an atmosphere highly charged with 
light earburetted hydrogen may be consistent with their 
desires to maintain their families in comfort and independ- 
ence; but is hardly consistent with the wish of a great 
nation for the welfare of its mining population. 
3. Unventilated wastes are magazines of dynamite, and 
according to Mr. Binney should be, if possible, avoided in 
coalmines. 
4. System, watchfulness, and complete knowledge of the 
enemy’s position and force, will no doubt diminish the 
probability of the happening of events which too often 
overtake the miners by surprise and fatal consequences. 
5. A more palpable and delicate test of the presence and 
strength of fire damp should be supplied than the flame of 
a candle or Davy lamp. 
I may add in conclusion my conviction, that the increased 
price of coal incident to the changes here alluded to would 
be cheerfully borne by the public, who would rejoice to see 
the adoption, at any reasonable cost, of a system which 
promises to reduce the fatal casualties in coalmines. 
