of 50lbs., and if allowed to fall below that rate their works
were completely stopped. With the Welsh coal they cleaned out their
fires but once instead of twice, and thereby effected a saving in the
working day of three hours and a half. The French river steamers
followed, and here the only objection raised was, that without the long
trail of smoke from the funnel their customers would not be able to see
their vessels approaching from a distance. The French Government then
became convinced of its efficiency, and, adopting it, have adhered to its
exclusive use ever since. Other Governments have likewise profited by
its advantages: but, although it is consumed in the Peninsular and
Oriental Company's fleet, the Royal Mail, Cunard's, and others, the
English Government has not hitherto availed itself of it. The embryo
town of Mountain Ash, with already a population of 5,000, has recently
been the scene of great rejoicings, as the 'winning' or striking of so
enormous a seam it is expected will bring with it additional prosperity
and considerable increase to its neighbourhood."

CHAPTER IV.
HIGHGATE.

If I were inclined to be dull, I would say Highgate is a village to the
north of London, with an ancient history, a great deal of which the
reader, if he be not a fool, can imagine, and with a very fine geological
formation, indicative of salt-water where it is now very difficult to
find fresh. In order, also, that I may not weary my reader, and
establish a cheap reputation for a great deal of learning, I will frankly
confess that Highgate, means High Gate, and nothing more. In old times,
right away from Islington Turnpike-Gate to Enfield Chase, there was a
magnificent forest, and part of this forest extended as far as Highgate.
Down in the very heart of it, in Hornsey, the Bishop of London had a
castle, and of the Park attached to it Highgate formed a part. When the
old road to the north was found impassable, a new one was formed over the
hill, and through the Bishop's Park. In those days pious bishops levied
toll; to collect this toll a gate was erected, and here was Highgate, and
truly does it deserve the name. It is said the hill is 400 feet above
the top of St. Paul's. Be this as it may, near London, a lovelier spot
is rarely to be met with. Artists, poets, parties in search of the
picturesque, cannot do better than visit Highgate. At every turn you
come to the most beautiful prospects. When London