Canaries in Mining Pits, 30 Dec 1986

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Profile	Posted by	Options	Post Date
Member Since: November 2008 Posts: 5,962 Send Message	Elizabethofseasons	Report	29 Dec 2010 18:04
	Dear All Hello In 1986, more than 200 canary birds were phased out of Britain's mining pits. Modern technology was introduced to detect harmful gases which may be present underground. New electronic detectors replaced the birds because they were cheaper and more effective in indicating the presence of pollutants in the air otherwise unnoticed by miners. The removal of the canaries ended a mining tradition in Britain dating back to 1911, since two canaries had to be employed by each pit. They were so ingrained in the culture, miners whistled to the birds and coaxied them as they worked, treating them as pets. A thank you to our brave feathered friends. Take gentle care Very best wishes xx
Member Since: January 2003 Posts: 11,594 Send Message	~~~Secret Red ^^ Squirrel~~~ 007 1/2	Report	30 Dec 2010 20:53
	Thanks for this Elizabeth :)