martin.] BERING RIVER COAL FIELD. 149 
These analyses, although obtained from various sources, correspond 
soclosely that the writer regards them as probably fair representatives 
of some seam or group of seams which he did not sample. Two of 
these coals contain excessive amounts of sulphur, which carry the 
average abnormally high. Otherwise they are of better quality, 
especially as regards the fuel ratio, than the coal discussed above. It 
may be that they were picked samples that did not represent the entire 
thickness of the seam, in which case the high percentage of sulphur is 
probably due to their having been taken from pieces of coal which 
were picked for their hardness and apparent cleanness. The one who 
took the samples evidently overlooked the fact that their exceptional 
hardness was not due to the coal being nearer anthracite, but to its 
containing a large amount of pyrite (sulphide of iron). 
The following table is the average of all the analyses quoted in the 
general table (see p. 146) with the exception of No. 5, which is not coal, 
but natural coke, and No. 10. The latter differs from all the others 
so much that it can not be considered representative, and if it is 
authentic it probably represents either a far outlying district or an 
outcrop of the natural coke. 
. Average of I .' analyses. 
Moisture . '. 1 . 30G 
Volatile hydrocarbons L5. 068 
Fixed carbon 75. 653 
Ash 7. 974 
Sulphur ] . 249 
Fuel ratio 5. 151 
Calories ( in part computed) 7, 890 
In this average even the analyses from the impure seams 1 and 8 are 
included, although these will probably not be mined. In spite of the 
fact that these are included it may be seen that the general average- 
represents a coal of more than average purity and high heating power. 
DEVELOPMENT. 
The work which has been done in the development of this field is 
entirely pioneer development work. Land surveys have been made of 
some of the larger holdings. Several railway routes have been sur- 
veyed. Many miles of good trails have been built, and a large num- 
ber of cabins erected. Many prospect openings have been made and 
several more extensive tunnels dug. There is a tramroadand a grav- 
ity plane from the west bank of Shepherd Creek to a tunnel on the 
hillside to the west. A small amount of coal is being mined for 
local use in stoves and as blacksmith coal at some of the neighboring 
oil wells. More extensive mining will be delayed until shipping 
facilities are provided at Controller Bay or elsewhere and a railroad 
is built from the harbor to the mines. 
