The Henson Journals

[120]

Monday, August 22nd, 1910.

We went down the mine outside the Park–gates. An admirable specimen of a superior Scotch miner conducted us to two levels, the first 480, the last 720 feet below the service [sic]. He told us that the shaft in one direction was worked for no less a distance than two miles, that the workmen walk to the point at which they excavate the coal; that there they lie on their sides & labour. The atmosphere was cool & fresh: & the main passages wider than I expected, but the dirt was appalling. I inquired at what age men were taken into the mine; & I was told that to make a good miner, a man must begin as a boy; that the men who came in later never acquired the same skill. The ponies in the mine were said to be fat & healthy, & to live for 15 or 16 years, though never coming into daylight.

We left Daldowie after lunch, & proceeded by way of Glasgow to Garvocks, to visit the Renshaws. At Kilmalcomb the motor met us, & Sir Charles. We had a fine drive on to the moor: & after tea walked in the light of a fine evening. I photographed the Highland cattle, which showed themselves off to perfection.

---