Report of the Bureau of Mines of the Department of Internal Affairs of ...

348 REPORT OF THE INSPECTORS OF MINES. Off. Doc.
Great Bluff.—This mine is now worked ont, and abandoned.
Grassy Run.—This mine has favorable natural conditions, and
would be easy to keep in good order, if ordinary care were exercised,
but more dependence seems to be placed on natural laws than mining
science and intelligent experience for the running of the mine.
Everything
seems to be running without intelligent direction and the natural
results follow, viz: The mine is not properly ventilated and the
men are working in an atinosphere of smoke, almost thick enough to
be cut with a knife. A furnace is built, which, on account of its location
and the fact that it is not very often tired up, is practically
of no service. On my last visit 1 could not get a measurement of air
in any part of the mine. The drainage is good, but nature, rather
than management, is responsible, for as the workings are all going
to the rise, the water naturally runs away from the working places
and out of the mine. Mining boss and Superintendent, John Meagher.
Hocking.—This mine is, upon the whole, in pretty fair condition.
A few of the working places were wet, and the air not quite as vigorous
as it should have been, but, upon the whole, there was not much
room for complaint. There is an evident desire to have things right,
and efforts are being made to have and keep them so. Mining boss,
R. A. Winters.
Hamilton.—This mine was formerly known as "Morgan," but its
name was changed to "Hamilton" on the reorganization of the company
during the year. It is in fairly good condition, both as to ventilation
and drainage. The present management shows a disposition
to get it into and keep it in better condition than formerly. Mining
boss and superintendent, Jos. L. Dixon.
Hill Farm.—This mine is now closed up and abandoned on account
of a fire which broke out on the slope, which rendered its closing up
imperative, not only for the safety of the i^ersons employed therein
and in adjoining mines, but also to preserve from destruction the
coal yet unworked remaining in the property.
The fire first showed itself on the sloi)e at what is known as No.
12 flat, on the right side of the slope. Let me say here, by
way of explanation, that this was not the only fire in the mine; there
was fire on both sides of the slope further out towards its mouth, as
the result of the accident which occurred in the mine on June IG, 1890.
This fire, however, had been kept under control by means of stoppings
and water pipes conducted through them, and had no connection
with the present fire. When the new fire was discovered at No. 12
flat, I was notified, and at once proceeded to the mine to make an
investigation as to its extent and the ])ossil)ilities of preventing it
from spreading. Upon examiuation, I found (hat the fire had already