A system of coal working sometimes employed in seams 4 ft (1.2 m) or under in thickness, with the aid of machines. Short faces, each 15 to 30 yd (13.7 to 27 m) wide, are driven at 50- to 70-yd (46- to 61-m) centers, with crosscuts to assist coal transport and ventilation. The rippings are used to form roadside packs. The shortwalls are driven to the boundary, and the coal pillars are worked by longwall retreating.