Coal is a portable climate. It carries the heat of the tropics to Labrador and the polar circle; and it is the means of transporting itself whithersoever it is wanted. Watt and Stephenson whispered in the ear of mankind their secret, that a half-ounce of coal will draw two tons a mile, and coal carries coal, by rail and by boat, to make Canada as warm as Calcutta, and with its comfort brings its industrial power.

Summary

This quote highlights the transformative power of coal as a portable source of climate control. It emphasizes that coal can effectively transport heat, bridging the gap between different geographical regions. The reference to Watt and Stephenson indicates how coal revolutionized transportation by enabling the efficient movement of heavy loads. By emphasizing the ability of coal to fuel both comfort and industrial progress, it reinforces the point that coal played a vital role in bringing warmth and development to places like Canada, allowing them to experience the same level of comfort as warmer regions like Calcutta.

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