THE MODEL ROOMS. 
137 
and close by a model of the Forest of Dean , both by the late 
Mr. Thomas Sopwith. On the latter model the outcrops or 
basseting of the principal beds of coal are shown on the 
surface, and vertical sections of the strata are painted on 
the sides of the model. In order to show similar vertical 
sections in the interior of the Forest, the model is made in 
compartments, placed on a sliding table, so as to be easily 
separated.* A Case containing samples of coal, ironstone, 
and other products of the Forest of Dean, stands near the 
fireplace. 
On the right hand of the visitor on entering the room is- 
another of Mr. Sopwith ’s ingenious models, representing the 
Ebbiv Vale and Sirhowy Iron Works in the county of 
Monmouth. Opposite to this on the left of the visitor will be 
found a large Case, in course of arrangement, containing a series 
of specimens illustrating the different varieties of Goal and 
allied substances. At the back of this Case, against the 
adjacent wall, is a natural section of the coal' measures at 
the Rosebridge pits near Wigan , at one time the deepest in 
this country. By the side of this section is a fine specimen 
of the Better-bed coal of Bradford in Yorkshire, showing 
the entire thickness of the bed, and the character of the 
adjacent strata. The “ better-bed ” coal is interesting for 
exhibiting under the microscope vast numbers of the spores of 
coal-measure plants. 
A great part of the central area of the room is occupied by 
two large models of Shipley Colliery , in Derbyshire (G. I 
and 2), exhibited at the International Exhibition of 1862, 
and afterwards presented by Messrs. Woodhouse and Jeffcock. 
From these models an excellent idea may be obtained, not only 
of the surface arrangements of a large colliery, but also of the 
underground workings. G. 1 shows the method of working 
the coal and the course of the ventilating currents, whilst 
G. 2 exhibits the winding machinery at the surface, with its 
steam engine, &c. 
Over the fire-place is a large screen bearing a number of 
ancient processional tools from Saxony. It is interesting to 
note how the several parts of a timberman’s axe have become 
conventionalised and rendered useless in these ornamental tools. 
On the right side of the fire-place are two natural sections, one 
of the coal seams near Barndey, the other of ironstone deposits 
in North Lincolnshire. 
In the front of the fire-place is one of Blake’s stone - 
breakers ; whilst on the wall beneath the windows of this room is 
a long range of Glass Cases which formerly contained mining 
* It is important, to avoid injury, that the models should not be touched,, 
except by persons acquainted with them. For any special purposes, permission to 
examine this and other models minutely may be obtained, but the public are 
especially requested not to attempt to open the models. 
e 87039. K 
