 The workings were all above the water level, no machinery being required for water drainage or for hoisting the coal to the surface.Coal breakers and other expensive fixtures and appliances for the preparation of coal had not then been introduced.There were many operators sending from five to six thousand tons to market annually (which was then considered a respectable business) that had not at any time a capital employed of as many thousands of dollars, including the first land purchase of the coal mine.