se was attempted to be done by means of levels, {37} were a serious
impediment to that development which under more favourable conditions has
since taken place.

Formerly the only means of getting the minerals of the district away, was
a horse tramway from Buckley to Queensferry. In 1862 however was opened
the Wrexham and Connah's Quay Railway,--Mrs. Gladstone cutting the first
sod, and an address from the Corporation of Wrexham being at the same
time presented to Mr. Gladstone, then Chancellor of the Exchequer. This
line is now carried through Hawarden, and, when connected with Birkenhead
and Liverpool by the Mersey Tunnel, now happily completed, is destined in
all probability to become one of importance beyond the limits of the
immediate district.

Clay has been extensively worked in Buckley, where the Messrs. Hancock's
famous fire-brick is made. Mention may also be made of the white bricks
made by the Aston Hall Coal and Brick Company, which are in great favour
with builders on account of their powers of resisting the weather and of
retaining their colour. A clay, resembling _terra cotta_ when burnt, has
also been found on Saltney.

At Sandycroft, on the river bank, are the Ironworks belonging to Messrs.
Taylor, where mining and other machinery is made.

The present course of the River below Chester, is called the New Cut, and
was completed under Act of Parliament, in 1737, by the River Dee Company,
who have lately handed over their interest in the River to a newly formed
Conservancy Board. The River, which before wandered over a large tract,
was thus confined to the present channel, and a large reclamation of land
effected. In compensation for the loss of rights of pasturage, 200
pounds is paid yearly by the Company to Trustees for the benefit of the
Freeholders of the Manor of Hawarden; 50 pounds is also paid yearly for
the repair of the south bank. This was followed by the inclosure of
Saltney Marsh, in 1778.

Possessing as it does a greater depth of water over the bar than the
Mersey, and provided with ample railway communication with the great
industrial centres, it is probable that the Dee may ere long become a far
more important river as a vehicle of commerce than heretofore. Of still
more importance to Hawarden is the establishment of direct communication
with Liverpool already referred to, in place of the present circuitous
route by Chester and Runcorn. By the new Swing Railway Bridge across the