482 STAGES IN THE PRODUCTION OF COAL. 
the Metropolis of England. The most early 
stage to which we can carry back its origin, was 
among the swamps and forests of the primeval 
earth, where it flourished in the form of gigantic 
Calamites, and stately Lepidodendra, and Sigil- 
larim. From their native bed, these plants were 
torn aM'ay, by the storms and inundations of a 
hot and humid climate, and transported into 
some adjacent Lake, or Estuary, or Sea. Here 
they floated on the waters, until they sank satu- 
rated to the bottom, and being buried in the 
detritus of adjacent lands, became transferred 
to a new estate among the members of the 
mineral kingdom. A long interment follow'ed, 
during which a course of Chemical changes, and 
new combinations of their vegetable elements, 
have converted them to the mineral condition of 
Coal. By the elevating force of subterranean 
Fires, these beds of Coal have been uplifted from 
beneath the waters, to a new position in the hills 
and mountains, where they are accessible to 
the industry of man. From this fourth stage in 
its adventures, our Coal has again been moved 
by the labours of the miner, assisted by the Arts 
and Sciences, that have co-operated to produce 
the Steam Engine and the Safety Lamp. 
turned once more to the light of day, and » 
second time committed to the waters, it has, by 
the aid of navigation, been conveyed to the scene 
of its next and most considerable change by 
