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The particular manner in which these ores occur, gives to the 

 inquiry concerning them, some degree of interest both as respects 

 the question of their origin, and the probability or not of a lucra- 

 tive return for the expense of mining them. Several vigorous 

 and persevering attempts have been made at successive times, 

 to open mines of copper in this region, but invariably without 

 success ; and it becomes an important point to trace, if practi- 

 cable, the cause of the general failure, and to ascertain in fact, 

 whether it is not mainly referable to an actual deficiency in the 

 amount of ore, and to its diflused state through the rock. As 

 it is desirable that the information collected should have a prac- 

 tical and salutary bearing upon future mining enterprises in the 

 district, much capital having been already absurdly wasted, I shall 

 submit such details as have been collected, believing that the 

 conclusions they suggest, if not positively demonstrable, are 

 highly probable. 



The principal points where mining operations have been under- 

 taken at different times, are near Belleville, Griggstown, Bruns- 

 wick, Woodbridge, Greenbrook, Somerville, and Flemington. 

 For details concerning the early history of the mines at Bruns- 

 wick, Belleville, and Somerville, I refer the reader to Gordon's 

 Gazetteer of the State ; at the same time expressing my belief, 

 that far too favourable an impression is conveyed in that work 

 of the metallic riches of those localities. With the exception of 

 the Flemington Mine, which has lately been worked to some ex- 

 tent, and which is a more recent enterprise, these several works 

 are all at present in such a state of decay, as to make it impossi- 

 ble to ascertain hij direct inspection, the mode in which the ore 

 occurs. My information upon this head, has been derived from 

 examining the masses of ore and rubbish near the mines, and 

 especially from the testimony of persons familiar with the works 

 while they were in operation. Every thing that I have witnessed 

 or collected in regard to it, has led me to the opinion, that the ore 

 does not exist, in any instance, in the shape of a true vein ; in 

 fact, we have no evidence that a regular copper vein, properly so 

 called, has hitherto been met with any where in the formations 

 of the State. 



By a true vein is meant " the mineral contents of a vertical 



