360 



The Acton Copper Mines. 



tufaceous rock and shale, intervening between this and the last 

 mentioned opening : (Fig. 4.) 



.i_# 



Fig. 4. 



Fifth Ofe-^is q [Sleepei-^s original 2nt). — Here the arrangement 

 has been similar to that at the last opening, but the crown of the 

 arch of copper limestone, now worked away, has been broader 

 and at the surface. There is also evidence here of transverse 

 dislocations bringing narrow belts of tufa and shale across the 

 limestone. As in the last mentioned place the copper limestone 

 still continues productive toward the dip. 



Sixth Opening — Here the lower and unproductive part of 

 the copper limestone is exposed. It seems largely develop- 

 ed, but the upper cupriferous portion has either not been de- 

 posited or has been removed by denudation. It should be sought 

 toward the dip, and as the stratification seems arched here as at 

 the last mentioned places, it may be found on either side. 



Otte's shaft is sunk on the shale underlying the copper lime- 

 stone, and which is here nearly vertical, so that it cannot reach 

 the deposits above referred to. Near the shaft, and to the rise of 

 the beds, there appears a cupriferous bed which deserves explora- 

 tion, more especially as it is evidently not the same with that 

 exposed in the other workings. 



2. Western Extension of the Bed, 



The copper limestone extends for some distance to the westward^ 

 its outcrop bending to the southward. In several places it con- 

 tains traces of copper ores, and should be opened by trenches as 

 at Sleeper's pits. 



3. Eastern Extension. 



No opening occurs in the beds eastward of the first above men- 

 tioned ; but Mr. Sleeper reports good indications in the low land 

 to the east, and at the railway cutting still farther east the copper 

 limestone and tufa appear but are not known to be productive. 

 Benjamin's opening is ofi" the line of strike, on the Hill limestone 

 and shows nothing of value. This is also the case with Wright's 



