Blackie's Descriptive Geographical Manuals (Volume 2)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1907 Excerpt: ... The population of England is now about 32 millions, and that of Wales is steadily approaching 2 millions. Accordingly, the total number of the inhabitants of England and Wales together is about 34 millions. INDUSTRIES. The inhabitants of this country by their energy and skill have made good use of the products and advantages of the country--they have explored the under-surface for minerals, carefully tilled the soil, engaged in manufactures, carried on fisheries, and extended commerce. Mining.--England is very rich in mineral wealth. Coal and iron are found in abundance and near one another; the supply of salt is also great; lead, copper, and tin are obtained in fair quantity; slate, building stone, and granite are to be found in various parts, and when these are wanting there is generally plenty of clay for making bricks and earthenware. Coal-fields.--1. The Great Northern coal-field extends from the Coquet to the Tees in Northumberland and Durham. 2. The York, Derby, and Nottingham coal-field extends from Leeds and Bradford to Nottingham, and has an area of 150 square miles, the largest in England. 3. The South Wales coal-field extends for some miles inland along the southern coast; its coal is largely used in steamers. 4. The South Staffordshire coal-field produces both coal and iron; it is overspread by collieries, iron-foundries, blast-furnaces, factories, and the dwellings of a dense population. 5. The North Staffordshire coal-field is smaller in area than the South Staffordshire, but it has four times the thickness of workable coal. Ironstone beds overlie the coal-seams, so that both are worked together to advantage. 6. The Soiith Lancashire and Cheshire coal-fields supply Liverpool and the cotton districts. Other less important coal-fields are: Bris...