by a single engine at the surface without
requiring any very different appliances from those in current use.

Ownership of coal.

In the United Kingdom the ownership of coal, like that of other
minerals, is in the proprietor of the soil, and passes with it, except
when specially reserved in the sale. Coal lying under the sea below
low-water mark belongs to the crown, and can only be worked upon payment
of royalties, even when it is approached from shafts sunk upon land in
private ownership. In the Forest of Dean, which is the property of the
crown as a royal forest, there are certain curious rights held by a
portion of the inhabitants known as the Free Miners of the Forest, who
are entitled to mine for coal and iron ore, under leases, known as
gales, granted by the principal agent or gaveller representing the
crown, in tracts not otherwise occupied. This is the only instance in
Great Britain of the custom of free coal-mining under a government grant
or concession, which is the rule in almost every country on the
continent of Europe.

Coal Mines Regulation Act.

The working of collieries in the United Kingdom is subject to the
provisions of the Coal Mines Regulation Act 1887, as amended by several
minor acts, administered by inspectors appointed by the Home Office, and
forming a complete disciplinary code in all matters connected with
coal-mining. An important act was passed in 1908, limiting the hours of
work below ground of miners. For a detailed account of these various
acts see the article Labour Legislation.

Accidents.

Coal-mining is unfortunately a dangerous occupation, more than a
thousand deaths from accident being reported annually by the inspectors
of mines as occurring in the collieries of the United Kingdom.

The number of lives lost during the year 1906 was, according to the
inspectors' returns:--

From explosions 54
" falls of ground 547
" other underground accidents 328
" accidents in shafts 65
" surface accidents 135
----
Total 1129

The principal sources of danger to the collier, as distinguished from
other miners, are explosions of fire-damp and falls of roof in getting
coal; these together make up about 70% of the whole number of deaths. It
will be seen that the former class of accidents, tho