nd
who now, I believe, can raise and ship a couple of thousand tons of coal
a day. Depend upon it there is some money made by these black diamonds,
and the corporation of London know it, for they have managed to get a tax
levied of one penny on every ton of coals, whether brought by sea or rail
within thirty miles of where we stand. What they do with the enormous
sum thus collected it is impossible to say; it is true they built this
handsome Exchange, at a cost altogether of 91,167 pounds 11s. 8d., but
that is a small part of their receipts. When the tax was first levied it
did not much matter; about the year 1550 one or two ships sufficed for
the coal trade of London. On Friday, December 2nd, 1859, the number of
ships with cargoes for sale on that day was not less than 340--and on an
average each ship employed in the coal trade carries 300 tons of coal.
In the month of October alone there were brought into the London markets
283,849 tons by sea, and by rail 95,195 tons and three-quarters. Of
course in winter time the trade is very brisk. The retail dealers in the
metropolis will tell you that a few cold days make an enormous difference
in the sale of coals, and the large dealers are driven to their wits' end
as to how they can find enough waggons and horses to enable them to
supply their customers. In the large coal-yards in the winter time the
men are at work from five in the morning till late, very late, at night.
I am thankful for their industry, I hope they are well paid.

But I have not yet said how the business at the Coal Exchange is carried
on. There are two classes of men connected with the place,--the factors,
who have a handsomely furnished room up above, and who elect each other
by ballot,--and the merchants, who have a room below, to which they pay
so much a year, and to the use of which they also are elected by ballot.
On the topmost story of all are the offices of the gentlemen who collect
the city dues, and render themselves useful in similar ways. When the
colliers arrive at Gravesend, a messenger is sent up with their names and
the number of coals on board, and so on. Each ship is consigned to a
London factor, and in the official room is a large case full of
pigeon-holes, in which the papers for each factor are deposited; these
papers are collected by the factor's clerks, and with these the factor
goes into the market to sell; for if he does not sell--unless the charter
party permit him to wa