There is evidence that dogs were historically taken (or in some cases
sent) into coal pits to detect foul air. There is some basis for this;
the respiration rate of a small dog will be greater than for a man, it
is breathing closer to the floor and hence it will be affected by
blackdamp sooner, giving the collier warning. Of course, mice and
latterly canaries were more effective, but a small dog, such as a
terrier, would offer the benefits of companionship and catching rats!
Barry.
Barry Job.
Eur. Ing. Dr. Barry Job,
Department of Geology,
School of Sciences,
Staffordshire University,
College Road,
Stoke-on-Trent,
ST4 2DE.
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