THE WISCONSIN FARMER.         3
    _ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~         ----- =_=_           = g = _       L   =      
            _-



being, also, that narrow limitations cramp
and bedwarf the powers of the soul. Let us,
in the future, more than we have been wont,



emulate this sublime virtue of the great Ex-
emplar and so lift ourselves up upon the higher
plane upon which he stood.

     The Great International Exhibition.

                   NO. IV.

        GREAT BRITAIN, CONTINUEID.
  The (Joals on exhibition were numerous and
highly interesting, as illustrative of the vast
resources of the kingdom. The most import-
ant coal fields were well represented-the Mid-
land and Welch best-those of Durham and
Northumberland, of Lancashire and Cheshire
next.  But there were likewise fine samples
front the Yorkshire. the Scotch and the Irish
mines.
  Hunt gives the following as the number of



collieries and rate of production:

                          Collieries.
Scotland.427
Durha m and Northumberland,. ..............142
Lancashire and Cheshire .   324
Yorkshire,      .          ... Mi
Staffordshire..       ...... we
Momnouthehire       ..-            79
South Wales......           299
Derbyshire, Ac ......... 205
Gloucestershire........        63)
nemsersetasire ..    ...... 17



TOUs of coal
raised 1860.
10,900,990
  18,244,708
  12,1008600
  9,284,000
  7,048,300
  0,204,813
  6I,215,000
  5,303,40o



  It thus appears that the total number of col-
lieries in the United Kingdom is 3,009; the
whole number of tons of coal raised being
74,042,698. Of this enormous quantity, much
the greater part-nearly all-is consumed at
home; still, the total of the extorts is consider-
able, amounting for that year (1860) to 6,788,-
060 tons.
  But the foregoing table but partially repre-
sents the great number of varieties which,
considered in detail, enter into the commerce
of the country; seventy different denominations
being imported into London alone.  These,
however, may be included under four general
heads, to-wit:-l, Caking coal; 2, Splint, or
hard coal; 3, Cherry, or soft coal; and 4, Can-
nel, or parrot coal.
  Caking coal derives its name from its pro-
perty of fusing or running together when



heated, so as to form one mass, unless broken
up. It break. into small irregular fragments.
The coals of Newcastle, whose extensive fields



we had the pleasure of surveying during our
northward tour in England, are of this class.
Caking coal is also derived from many other
localities.
  Splint coal was shown in large blocks, rep-
resentative of the Glasgow and other fields.
It is more like stone in its hardness, and is
quarried with more difficulty than the softer
varieties. It does not kindle easily, owing to
the absence of the inflammable gases which
characterize other coals, but when lighted af-
fords a clear, lasting fire of strong heat. The
Anthracite coals of Wales properly belong to
this class. (Iniscedwyn Co. exhibited a fine
block from their mines at Ilendreladis. weigh-
ing :;8 cwt.
  The Cherry or soft coals are an abundant
and beautiful variety. Velvety and shining in
hue and lustre, easily broken, readily kindled
and yielding a bright light, with a residuum
of white ashes., they are everywhere popular
for domestic use. The Staffordshire coals are
chiefly of this class.
  Cannel is supposed to be a corruption of
candle, and to have been applied to the variety
of coal known by that name on account of the
readiness with which it kindles and the bright-
ness of its burning. It has a waxy lustre and
resinous fracture, and the best quality leaves
but little ash, which is white and light. Some
varieties of Cannel coal take a good polish and
can be worked ihto various articles for orna-
mental use. Jet is nothing else than an ex-
treme variety of this coal.
  The quantity and quality of illuminating
gas derivable from Cannel coal exceeds that of
any other, and it is accordingly very exten-
sively used for this purpose.
  Such are some of the coals of the United
Kingdom. Though the. area of their fields is
not more than half as large as that of our own,
as determined by surveys already made, their
resources are nevertheless immense, and they
exert a mighty influence on the industry of
the country. Indeed, without them, England



                                                                        
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