Page:A tour through the northern counties of England, and the borders of Scotland - Volume II.djvu/151

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Kennel or Cannel was entirely new to us. It is found in large quantities a little to the north of Wigan, and sold at the pit's mouth for jd. per hundred weight, and at the canal quay at yd. per hundred. Its colour is a jet black; and its solidity and consistence such as to endure the action of the lathe and the polishing wheel, which convert it into snuff-boxes and various toys. It is highly inflamma- ble, and splits in any direction, always preserving a smooth surface, not marking the fingers; when stirred in the fire, it crackles violently and produces a bright flame; but if left to itself, consolidates and preserves a smothering combustion for many hours. The frequent carriage of coals, though the greater part be floated along the canals, assists in rendering the roads (paved with large cobble- stones) about this country the worst in Kngland. I say assists, because, the want of judgment in those who direct their repair, may be considered as the chief cause of their state; which is so exe- crable, as well to deserve Mr. Arthur Young's description of them: " I know not," says he, '-' in the whole range of language, terms suilicientl) " expressive to describe their infernal roads. Any cc person would imagine the boobies of the coun- " try had made them with a view to immediate
 * destruction; for the breadth is only sufficient

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