Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1878-07-06
General Items.

A TALK WITH TIE Coal MINERS.
"A few days ago we had the pleas
ure OF valSing q little trip among the
miners on Georges creek, and during
our ramble paid visit to the residence
Of Mr.. Owen Riordan, inspector of
Mines for the counties of Garrett and
Allegany, in Maryland. We found
Mr.. r. at home, and were soon conf
iortably seated, and engaged With him
in pleasant and Interesting converse
ton, in regard to matters connected
with mines and mining operations.
During the conversation we were
shown quite an interesting collection
of books, containing much valuable
information upon the subject, among
which we particularly noticed treat:
ise on The Coal Mines of the World"
"Friction Of Air i'll Mines" Ceases
met with in Coal Mines &c. We
were also shown very useful instru-
ment called an "Anemometer,"' :, and
used in ascertaining the quantity of
air that passes in and out of the mines.
1t has frequently been found to be very
difficult to properly regulate subter-
anean ventilation. The only, way
in which this can be done accur-
ately, is TO ascertain the amount Of air
passing in and out, and then divide it
by the whole number Of men in the
mine which will give the exact guam
tity for each man. This is easily ac-
complished by the use Of this little in
strument, simple in its construction
and operation as it may seem. The
Instruments is composed Of a fan, which
revolves on pivot, within d circle or
rim of brass about six inches in diam
eter. The fan is so constructed as to
be put in motion by the slightest move-
ment Of the air. On one side of it is
a dial, arranged something like the
dial plate Of a clock, upon which two
hands revolve like the hands of a
watch, the one measuring at each rev.
olution 100 linear feel Of air, and the
other for greater accuracy 1000 linear
feet. Upon this basis then, a calcula-
ton is made showing the exact num-
ber Of cubic feet of air passing in and
out Of the mine per minute. This in
strumcnt We understand is Just now
about to be introduced in this region
for tie first time by Mr.. Riordan.
After examining the "Auemometer
and discussing It's merits, our conver-
satlon naturally turned upon other
topics in connection with the subject
of mining; and long before we We're
ready to leave we became fully con-
vincsd of the wisdom shown by Gov.
Carroll, in selecting Mr.. R. for the
position he now SO creditably fills.
Mr.. Riordan came to this country first
in 1851, since which he has been al
most constantly employed in various
ways az a practical miner. In 1864 un-
der the old system he was elected to
the office Of Magistrate, which posi-
ton he filled with credit up to the
time Of his late appointment, when by
the laws of the State he was compeli-
ed to resign, not being allowed to
hold two Offices at the same time.
Some time about the year 1867 he be-
came underground manager Of the At
lantic and Georges creek mines, dis
charging his duty in that capacity in
an able and satisfactory manner.
Not only is he thoroughly expert
enced as a practical miner, having
but just laid down his mining pick
to attend to the duties of his new Of
fee; but he is also we'll acquainted
with the subject theoretically. He
has spared no pains to inform himself
both by actual observation, and by
whatever he could acquire by study
ing the ideas ad experience of others
upon the same subject. Mr.. R. is also
well posted in the science of "Aerom-
etry," being good mathematician,
and thereby being able to make the
necessary calculations. Altogether we
were very well pleased with our trip,
and we left more than ever assured
} that in making the appointment Gov.
Carroll, was very fortunate in secur-
ing the services of one SO well quail
fed to perform them. m.--Potomac Her.
old.
LoCH1EL LUMBER CoMPANY.--The
, above named company located in Gar
rett county, is one of the largest lum-
Der producers in this section of coun.