REPORT ON MINERAL VEINS. 25 



That metallic ores are found to repose in rocks which seem 

 congenial to them, and that their combinations are modified by 

 changes in the rocks, will not I think be disputed by practised 

 miners, or by those who have most narrowly searched into the 

 hidden recesses of the earth. 



Facts must be observed and compared, effects must be traced 

 to probable causes, and difficulties must be explained or can- 

 didly admitted, if we would enlarge and generalize our know- 

 ledge of vein formations. There are obstacles to the progress 

 of this knowledge ; for, as Dr. Boase has remarked, it is not easy 

 for a person unaccustomed to it to use his eyes with much ad- 

 vantage, in the places where the study can best be pursued. 



It is the miners' business, however, not only to see clearly, but 

 to consider all the intricate appearances that veins exhibit; and 

 I would exhort them not to be satisfied merely with the obser- 

 vations their art may seem to require, but to extend them to a 

 larger view of the subject, and to contribute, as many of their 

 eminent predecessors have done, to the common stock of general 

 science. 



If the imperfect view which I have thus endeavoured to give 

 of prevalent opinions should assist in such endeavours, or 

 should stimulate any persons in undertaking a further pursuit 

 of the subject, it would be to me a source of great gratification; 

 as the desire of promoting such inquiries must be my apology 

 for attempting the task which I have undertaken. 



