1869.] Mining. 139 



some extent from the effects of climbing by the introduction of tlie 

 "man-engine" (a movable rod with platforms fixed upon it, by 

 which the miner is gradually lifted — without fatigue to himself — 

 from any depth to the surface). The ventilation of the mines 

 generally has been improved, but it is only within the present year 

 that any actual experiment has been made in the mines on the use 

 of machines for boring holes, worked by compressed air or steam. 

 We have been favoured, upon application, with the following report. 

 We are glad to place this on record, as the commencement of an 

 application of machinery to a most important purpose. We have 

 no doubt that in a short time boring-machines will be generally 

 adopted in our metal mines. 



"Doering's rock-boring engine has been worked on the 185 

 fathom level in Tincroft Mine, conjointly with another, from the 

 6th January up to the present time, and has driven sixteen fathoms 

 in hard Tin Capel, which Captain Teague considers would cost 20?, 

 j)er fathom if driven by hand-labour. 



" During the greater part of this time, in consequence of the air- 

 pumps getting constantly out of repair, the machine was only 

 worked by one (shift) corps of two men; and continuous working 

 with three corps, comprising five men and one boy, only commenced 

 on the 6 th July. 



'• Since this date nearly nine fathoms of ground have been 

 driven, at a cost of 17Z. 16s. 2d. per fathom. 



" The following is the cost of working the machine during the 

 last month: — ■ £ g. a. 



Five miners and one boy 2i 



One boy to remove rubbish 2 



Two enginemen at surface 6 



One smith and boy 5 5 



Oil, waste, and candles 3 9 



Gun-cotton for Wasting , 410 



Fuse 7 6 



Sundries 030 



Coals 6 



Eepairs 20 



£53 14 6 



" In the above estimate the sum of 211. 5s. is for expenses at 

 the surface, which would be but slightly increased if three ends 

 were driven instead of one — say about 21. 15s. This would reduce 

 the average cost per fathom to Idl. 9s. lOt?., instead of 171. 18s. 2cl. 



" During these last three months one corps has been worked by 

 one man and a boy, and the result has shown that they will diive 

 as much ground with the machine as two men could do in the same 

 time. (Signed) F. B. Dceeing." 



We find, during a recent visit to the Cornish mines, that the 

 patentee is offering to contract for sinking shafts and driving levels 



