“ Coal — From time to time discoveries of coal mines in Italy are reported in the Italian newspapers, and the intelligence invariably elicits gratifying comments, and hopeful speculations as to the industrial future of the country. ”

“ What gave rise to these hopes is the reported fact that the different strata through which shafts have been sunk are of the same nature and appearance as the strata which, in mining districts, generally announce the presence of a bed of fossil coal. ”