BROAD TOP COAL-REGION.
" The Broad Top coal-region, situate in Huntingdon, Bedford, and Fulton counties, occupies a peculiar geological position amongst the coal-fields of Pennsylvania. Standing between the anthracite coal-fields of the north east and the great bituminous coal-region of the southwest, its coal pos sesses to a considerable degree the qualities of both, and is therefore classi fied as a semi-bituminous coal. The region is detached and independent in itself, occupying the southern end of the great synclinal, in the northern end of which the Wyoming coal-field is situated.
"The area of this coal-field has been variously estimated, ranging from 40 to 80 square miles; recent developments, however, seem to indicate the correctness of the latter estimate.
"The region is bounded on the west by Terrace Mountain, and on the east by Sidelong Hill, forming at the northern end a slender synclinal prong, resting its terminal point on the Juniata River below the town of Huntingdon. The coal-field widens towards its southern boundary in Bedford and Fulton counties, ending in a number of terminal fingers. The general topographical features of the region are similar to those of the anthracite coal-fields,—greatly modified, however, in the case of Broad Top.
"The great coal-plateau (from which the name Broad Top is derived) is situated between Trough Creek on the north and Ground Hog Valley on the south.
"The coal measures are regular in structure, with gentle wave undula tions, dividing the field into several synclinals or basins.
"The Raystown branch of Juniata River flows along the western flank of the coal-field, winding circuitously through the Umbral red shales, Ves pertine and Ponent sandstones, and Vergent slates, which form the western escarpment of the region.
"The construction of the Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain Railroad was mainly intended to develop the coal-field. The line of the railroad
begins at Huntingdon (where it connects with the Pennsylvania Railroad and Canal), and follows up the valley west of the Raystown Juniata until it reaches Stonerstown and Saxton, where it crosses this river and continues along its eastern side to its terminus at Hopewell, where it connects with the Bedford Railroad, extending the rail line to Bloody Run, 43 miles from Huntingdon.
"The Juniata River and Broad Top Railroads form a base-line to the region. The coal-field is trenched transversely to this base by three streams (tributaries to the Juniata), exposing along their slopes the out crops of the coal-seams, along which the collieries are located. The three branches of the railroad (Shoup's Run, Six Mile Run, and Sandy Run) have been constructed in the valleys of these streams, connecting with the main road at Saxton, Riddlesburg, and Hopewell, over which the coal is carried to Huntingdon, where it is delivered on the Pennsylvania Railroad track or dumped over schutes into canal-boats.
"The aggregate thickness of the workable coal-seams of the region is 26 feet. A reference to the columnar section will show their order and arrangement. The Broad Top coal has long been known as the best fuel for blacksmithing purposes, and, since the completion of the railroad, has taken an enviable position in market as the fuel for generating steam in locomotive, marine, and stationary engines. Its use in rolling-mills, puck dling-furnaces, forge-fires, &c. has been eminently successful. It is a white-ash,* free-burning coal, easily ignited, and makes a cheerful fire in grates or stoves, leaving little residuum.