3 OCTOBER 1908, Page 31

THE HAMMER PONDS OF SUSSEX. [To Tug EDITOR Or TIM

.SPEOTATOR." J SIR,—The writer of the interesting article on the above subject in last week's Spectator appears to be of opinion that the manufacture of charcoal-made iron ceased long ago. Up to 1860, and perhaps a few years later, iron was made with

charcoal on the Severn, near Bridgnorth (no great distance from Coalbrookdale), in ironworks belonging to the late Mr. Foster, of Apley. It was said to be of a superior quality to the coal-made iron. I have myself seen in the "sixties" numbers of men burning charcoal for these works, which, however, were standing idle a few years later.—I am, Sir, &c., SOUTH SALOP.