6 On the former Gold-workings in the County of Wicklow. 



of the mountain, in Ballynacapogue brook, and small particles 

 of gold were obtained, with magnetic ironstone, magnetic 

 ironsand, and fragments of tinstone crystals. A third trial, in 

 Fannanerin stream, on the north-eastern flank of the moun- 

 tain, did not produce any gold." 



The preceding extracts may serve to show how untenable 

 are the positions advanced in the statement of the distinguished 

 President. They prove, 



1. That the discovery of native gold was not confined to a 

 limited portion of a stream of about one hundred yards in 

 extent. 



2. That gold was found in other parts, and in other streams 

 proceeding from the same mountain ; and indications to this 

 effect are given in the Map of Croghan Kinshela mountain. 



3. That the mountain was not perforated through, nor with 

 great labour, nor at an enormous expense. And the sole 

 object of a level, which was driven 178 fathoms long into the 

 mountain, was to try in depth veins found by trenching at the 

 surface. The moderate expense of such a level passing through 

 a clayslate rock (and that rock dipping toward, and thus fa- 

 vouring the progress of the level,) any competent miner may 

 readily compute. 



4. That the adjacent banks and hills rising on either side 

 were attended to ; for in fact the mountain was scarified by 

 trenches on every side, cut down to the live rock; and many 

 veins were discovered in consequence, upon which workings 

 were conducted, and the produce subjected to repeated ex- 

 periments. These veins were thus explored at the least ex- 

 pense. 



With this plain statement of facts I forbear comment, merely 

 adding that I am persuaded that few, if any, Government 

 undertakings have ever been conducted in a more ceconomical 

 manner, or at so little charge to the public. The great ob- 

 ject was to determine, according to the approved principles 

 of practical miners, whether auriferous veins existed in the 

 mountain ; and the negative appearing to be proved, Govern- 

 ment were induced to relinquish the enterprise. Prior to the 

 operations of Government, my friends had joined me in a pro- 

 position to embark in the adventure ourselves, yielding to the 

 Crown one fifth part of the produce. Apprehensive that the 

 subject might become too rich, that proposition was rejected. 

 The result of the subsequent researches, however, gave us 

 reason to be content that our offer had not been accepted by 

 Government. 



