Reports of the Inspectors of Mines of the anthracite coal regions of ...

INSPECTORS OF MINES. 105
Thomas Colliery, at Shenandoah City.— Operated by (he Thomas Coal C'umpany,
on the Girard Estate.
It consists of 2 slopes opening the separate splits of the E vein, a tunnel
east of this slope opens the D and B veins. The coal in tlie E vein has
been well extracted by main and counter-working. The coal on the tunnel
lifts of the D and B veins are well exhausted, but broastings are so far untouched.
A new breaker has been erected for preparing coal from new
openings ; and promises to become, in future, one of the lirst collieries in
the district. Two locomotives are used, instead of animal power, to do the
hauling in the mine. A 20-horse poAver fan produces an adequate supply
of fresh air for ventilating the mine, which has rendered satisfactory sesults.
Nine engines=r500-horse power, with IG good boilers are in use ; 3
locomotives are used for haulage; 154 men and 112 boys are employed in
and about the colliery. I am forced to acknowledge the ability and good
judgment of Mr. Wasley in his management of this colliery.
Suffolk Colliery.— Operated by Suffolk Coal Company, on lands of the P,
and Ji. G. and I. Co., near St. Nicholas.
It consists of a slope and water level drift openings. The slope opens
the Primrose vein in 10 feet of coal, and is ventilated bj'' means of air courses
driven along the gangwaj^s in separate openings, which air can be utilized
at will A 20-horse powcl* fan is used in connection with ventilation, which
has the desired result. The drift openings are upon the different branches
of the E seam, and are tolerably well exhausted of coal, but 18 breasts are
still working. The slope works produce some fire-damp gas, and it becomes
a necessity to have it removed. As yet the excavations are not extensive,
but enough has been demonstrated to warn those in charge to keep it in
due bounds. Four engines, of 109-horse power, with 11 boilers are in use ;
102 men and 30 boys are employed ; 1 locomotive, 15 mules and 66 v/agons
are in use. Montliiy shipments, — tons.
Furnace Colliery.— Operated by IJessrs. Atkins it' Bros., on Gill)crt d: Shcafer'S
lands.
It consists of two tunnel openings on the B vein. A tunnel opens the E
vein near the bottom of the basin. The coal of both lifts has been nearly
exhausted. The B vein is open from the old tunnel in a small basin, which
is likewise worked out pretty well. A furnace supplies ventilation for these
works. A locomotive is used for animal power. The eflects of its steam
and rarified air are hurtful to the men. The present system of ventilation
in use must be reversed in order to improve it. One engine, of 30-horsc
power, with 2 boilers, are in use ; 95 men and 35 boys are employed.
Primrose Colliery (near Mahanoy City.)— Operated by Primrose Coal Com-
2)any, on la.nds of the Leldgli Valley Railroad Company.
It consists of a slope opening the G or Primrose vein in its basin, allowing
of woj-king both south and north dips of the vein. The E vein is open
by a tunnel driven south. The character of its coal is somewhat aifccted
bV the fragmentary condition of the roof rock, not often found elsewliere.
In connection with the E vein a tunnel from the E vein opens the 4-foot