1898 - Coalmininghistorypa.org

ia^ REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. t)oc.Number of compressed air locomotives in use insidethe mines, 1iSTumber of coke ovens in the district, 7,G46Number of kegs of i)0wder reported as used in the mines, 559Number of pounds of dynamite reported as used in themines, 5,979Number of steam boilers in use 259Number of fatal accidents during the year, 30Number of non-fatal accidents during the year, 66Number of wives left widows by fatalifies, 10Number of orphans by fatalities, 37Number of days worked by all the mines during the year, 15,378%Average number of days worked by all the mines duringthe year, 233+The business done at the mines during the year has increasedconsiderably over that of last year, as is shown by the above statistics.,The coal tonnage would have been much greater if the operatorshad been supplied with railroad cars sufficient for the demand oftheir frade. Many of the mines have been idle quite a number ofdays owing to the lack of means of transporting their product.I am glad to report that the majority of the mines in the districthave been improved in their condition in a great many respects. Theventilation and drainage especially has received considerable attentionwith very gratifying results.Two mines have been dropped from the report owing to the factthat they have not been in operation for several years and not likelyto be soon, and one new mine was opened up during the year. Sevenmines were idle the entire year.The usual statistical tables, and a nuip showing ihe workingsof the Latrobe Coal Company's mine, accompany this report. Allof which is res])ectfully submitted.C. B. ROSS,Mine Inspector Second Bituminous District.•Description of Mines and Mine Improvements in the Second BituminousDistrict.Mines on and Near the River Division of the Allegheny ValleyRailroad.Lucesco Drift.— Idle the entire year.Brael)ui'n.—This is a new drift mine in the Upper Frccjjort scam,which has Iumc an average thickness of thre(> feet ei^ht inches. The