Whilst walking, James Starr could not but be struck with the change in the country.

He had not seen it since the day when the last ton of Aberfoyle coal had been emptied into railway trucks to be sent to Glasgow.

Agricultural life had now taken the place of the more stirring, active, industrial life.

The contrast was all the greater because, during winter, field work is at a standstill.

But formerly, at whatever season, the mining population, above and below ground, filled the scene with animation.
Great wagons of coal used to be passing night and day.