mines are fast coming into the spotlight and this area contains many exceptionally fine prospects. At the time of writing the development of the Bridge River district is astounding, where 65 mines are being worked in various stages of development, with some of them nearing the production point. The entire Province is highly mineralized and with advent of modern machinery British Columbia is looking for a rapid opening of new mining sections. In this re spect, the Atlin district is notable, where much devel- opment has already taken place.

Curiously enough, in the light of what followed, it was not gold that brought the first miners. Coal was discovered on Vancouver Island in 1835, but it was not until 1850, when extensive seams were found at Nanaimo, that it was worked commercially. Miners were imported from Scotland and a consider- able tonnage was shipped in the next few years. The Wellington Mines, opened in 1871, and the mines at Comox in 1875. A splendid export trade was de- veloped and continues to the present day. The Kootenay area produces some of the highest grade coal of the Province, and the mines in the Rockies are extremely well developed. Within the past few years, owing to the rapid advent of oil and sawdust burners, the coal mining industry finds itself in a

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