The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1867-03-07
RANDOM THOUGHTS No. 10.
By THE EDITOR.


Some three or four weeks ago, Mr.. Kyle. of the
Arm of Kyle, Brown & Co., invited me to visit
their coal SHAFT, known as the slope. Mr.. Kyle
went with me. lie put on an old hat, and was
prepared with heavy boots, old coat and cap. Mr..
David Jones, the superintendent of the bank
went with us. Each of US had tin lamp, about
the size of a mans two thumbs filed with lard
oil, and lighted. We descended the slope a rail-
way, with an angle of thirty or forty degrees to
the horizon. At the end of the slope was great
forcepump which raised column Of water to the
top of the ground, and thus kept the mine free Of
water.
Starting off to the left, we walked on the rail-
road track, half bent, carrying ourlittle lamps,
and occasionally slipping off and splashing into
tie mud and dirty water between the ties. The
roof was some five feet high, and solid blue slate,
beautifully yariegated with fern leaves, and other
vegetables, imprinted upon it.. As we progressed
we met volume OF smoke, smelling Of gnppow-
der, laziy moving towards the mouth Of the mine.
We passed through some doors, which were kept
closed, 10 order 70 regulate the ventilation. When
we had proceeded about one hundred yards we
catnc to shaft used to bring in fresh air. Look
Ing up this shaft. we could see The upper world,
some forty feet above us. All the way along. we
passed the miners. working inthe branches of the
mine on the, rigbtand left of the main entry.
Each miner had one Of the little tin lamps bang
ing by q hook In front Of his cap. with the wick
brightly burning. Onthe track were several coal
cars, some filed, and some empty. We went to
the end Of this entry, perhaps one hundred and
fifty yards from the bottom Of the slope Return
ing until we reached fork in the entries, we took
another, leading south. At the end Of this, the
coal descended rapidly, and the water Of course
could not run to the pump, and 1t wascollected to
a considerable depth. Here there was a small
hand pump, and man working att. There
were wooden troughs, elevated at the fartherend,
and men dipping the water and pouring 1t into
the troughs. Again coming back, we entered
another part Of the mine. leading west. At the
end Of this the coal ven was running up, and was
consequently dry, Here were number of men
atwork, and they had q nice place to work, there
being no water .fl5 M
40 we again ctine DUCK, VIC IOulu CAT bnut
had run of the track. 1t was filed with coal and
little mule was hitched to it. The driver, boy
took the mule from the front Of the car, and
bitched It to the rear end Of the car and pulled it
on the track. The boy spoke loudly and sharply
to the mule, and 1t appeared quito obedicnt to his
commands. aia Yaa Uf 4FitaI It9i y
The coal vein measured three feet and FIVE
inches, and the slate was taken out TO the depth
of about foot and half. Some Of this slate IL
taken out of the mine, but large quantity Of II Is
filled into the place where the con has been taken
out The coal is hauled to the foot of the slope
by the little mule, or donkey, and Is then drawn
up the slope bya stout chain with very short
links, running around q wheel, and operated by
q steam engine, short distance Id front Of the
top ofthe slope. The great pump Is also opcrat-
ed by this engine. td
The coal from this shaft Is of an excellent quail.
ty, and am now using some Of 1t for family use.
The greater portion Of itgoes to Diamond Fur
mace. u .s4g4t s.I ~ d. NJ.