422 Dr, Dawson on the recent 



sons were rushing in, and the proprietors of the land claimed pro- 

 tection from the Government. Their acquiescence in any policy 

 that might be adopted, was easily obtained, and a deputy sur- 

 veyor was sent down to Tangier, with instructions to lay oflf a 

 few lots, 50 feet by 20 — to charge a rent of forty dollars for 

 them — to keep the peace, and to report from time to time to the 

 Commissioner of Crown Lands, to whose custody, by the act of 

 last session, the mines of the Province have been transferred. 



" Though the rent was high, and the areas small, some lots were 

 taken up by the sanguine and adventurous, led by a few persons 

 who had worked in California and Australia. Though no very 

 great discoveries were made, confidence in the deposits steadily 

 increased, and the pioneers worked on with cheerfulness and 

 industry. 



" Until recently only two attempts have been made, at Tangier^, 

 to work any but single claims. A small company, headed by 

 WiUiam Chambers, Esq., have combined four or five lots, and are 

 running a tunnel through them ; and Mr. Robert Sibley, who ac- 

 quired some experience, and made some money by mining in 

 Australia, has leased from the Government three quarters of an 

 acre, and is sinking a shaft to enable him to work his claim at 

 all seasons of the year. 



" The lowest depth yet reached is 45 feet, and the largest 

 nugget found is valued at $300. The gold is got in quartz veins, 

 running through slate or earth resting upon granite, in the form 

 of scales, jagged and torn bits, like shot or bullets fired against a 

 wall. It is sometimes globular, but seldom completely round. 

 The veins run east and west. It is found in the soil immediately 

 around the veins, but placer washing has not been very profitable 

 at Tangier, or perhaps has not been attempted on a scale suf- 

 ficiently extensive to command a fair return. A new lead has 

 just been discovered, and there is every reason to anticipate that 

 as capital and skill, aided by reliable machinery, accumulate at 

 Tangier, the precious metal will be procured with less labor and 

 yield a more abundant return. 



" In other countries the discoveries of gold have attracted mixed 

 multitudes to the mines, of which the reckless and dissolute 

 often form a large proportion. Robbery, riot and murder have 

 characterized these mixed communities, both in California and 

 Australia. A strong police force is required to keep order, the 

 treasure secured can only be transported over the roads, guarded 



