or by a water-wheel
engine, or else by a drain having its outlet in some distant but lower
spot, such as is found to have led from the Broad Moor Collieries to
Cinderford, a mile and upwards in length. The shaft of the pit was made
of a square form, in order that its otherwise insecure sides might be the
better supported by suitable woodwork, which being constructed in
successive stages was occasionally used as a ladder, the chief difficulty
being found in keeping the workings free from water, which in wet seasons
not unfrequently gained the mastery and drowned the men out. The skips
appear to have been always rectangular in shape, similar to the shafts.

Intermediately between the date of the above coal-works and the present
most approved collieries, Mr. Protheroe, in his evidence before the Dean
Forest Commissioners, in 1832, relative to his thirty-two coal-pits,
stated that "the depth of my principal pits at Park End and Bilson varies
from about 150 to 200 yards; that of my new gales, for which I have
engine licences, is estimated at from 250 to 300 yards. I have 12 steam
engines varying from 12 to 140 horse power, 9 or 10 of which are at work,
the whole amounting to 500 horse power; and I have licences for four more
engines, two of which must be of very great power. The amount of wages
paid by me, in the last twelve years, to colliers, hauliers, and
labourers, is upwards of 150,000 pounds, giving constant employment on
the average to from 400 to 500 individuals."

The coal-pits were now lined throughout with stone walling, leaving a
clear diameter of from 7 to 9 feet; greater regard was paid to their
drainage and ventilation, both of which required particular attention,
owing to the watery nature of the coal measures, and the abundance of
"choke-damp," although happily "fire damp" never appears. Horses were
now used underground for bringing the coal-trams to the foot of the pit,
and all the workings were accurately surveyed and recorded, agreeably to
the regulations instituted by the Dean Forest Mining Commissioners, under
the judicious Act of 27th July, 1838, to the effect that "the quantity of
coals sent daily from each colliery should be duly entered, and plans
made of the workings, for the information of the Gaveller, who might also
inspect any underground operations at all reasonable times," the whole
undertaking being required to be carried on according to the best and
most improved system.