rock has been mined out at the surface continuing down to a depth of from 100 to 250 feet without pillars, thus leaving the mine unprotected from the surface rock which is disintegrated by the action of the elements and becomes very dangerous to the miners working below. Only a year or two ago these mines were considered the most dangerous of any in the State, but owing to the vigilance of the Department and the issuing of orders which required the mining companies to comply with the provisions of the law, the number of accidents have been largely reduced, to the great satisfaction of both the operators and the men employed. ULSTER COUNTY DISTRICT. The Lawrenceville Cement Company, Binnewater, N. Y., employs 700 men; work eighteen slopes, both on the pillar, room and level system, working thirty-four faces. These mines, in the years 1895 and 1896, were in bad condition, and the Department was obliged to condemn several of them. The mines were opened years ago, and the old, crude way of mining was continued until the year 1896. Under the supervision of Mr. C. M. Carhart, mine superintendent, and the rules of the Department, the mines have been changed to the level or long wall system where it was practicable, and are at the present time in a safe condition. The F. O. Norton Cement Co., Binnewater, N. Y., employs 100 men; work two slopes on the pillar and room system, and ten working faces. The mines are well supervised, and, in consequence, are in a safe condition. The Lawrenceville Cement Co., Binnewater, N. Y., employs 150 men. The mine is a tunnel or drift above drainage; works on the pillar and room system. These mines are also well super H |