Remarks on the Gold Mines of Virginia. 125 
There is, therefore, no doubt that the result stated above is below 
the truth, as regards the quantity of gold; and still it would be bet- 
ter tocalculate upon returns rather less than more, in relation to the 
operations in the large way. In estimating the actual results of the 
mining operations in the gold region, those concerned will of course 
take into view the interest of capital Jaid out in the purchase of the 
gold lands. On this point, lam not called upon to express an opinion. 
Were it possible, however, it would be very desirable to extinguish 
the spirit of speculation which is producing a dangerous excitement 
in the public mind, equally hostile to the true interests of the mining 
region, and of the country, and dangerous to individuals. It would 
be very desirable that the mines should be purchased only by those 
who intend to explore them, and not by those who buy merely that 
they may sell again, perhaps at a very short period, and for a price 
suddenly advanced, not in consequence of actual returns from the 
mines, or of a reasonable prospect that they will soon be realized, 
but because the community is in a state of unnatural excitement. 
Virginia has, in her territories, great mineral treasures; but they 
are to be obtained only by sober industry and skillful application of 
knowledge and capital ; nor would all her hidden treasures of gold, 
if brought to light, form any adequate compensation for the aban- 
donment of her agriculture and the substitution of a spirit of wild 
speculation. 
The comparatively deep explorations of the Culpeper mines have 
probably developed, in a good degree, their-real character, and there 
is therefore not so much danger of error as in those cases where the 
mining has been less thorough and less extensive. 
TF his mine possesses also important advantages, in consequence of 
its great water power, and the favorable form of the ground, which 
will enable it to obtain a profitable return, not to be realized, in an 
equal degree, by a richer mine without similar advantages. It is 
not believed that this mine will need the application of steam power, 
certainly not for a long time, because the water can be drawn from 
the excavations either by gravity, or by machinery connected with 
the hydraulic power of the mills ; and it is expected, even, that its 
superfluous force, that which is beyond what its own exigencies may 
require, will in the course of some time, be applied to aid the opera- 
tion of the mines in the vicinity, not possessing hydraulic power. 
In my investigations in the case of the Culpeper mine, and of 
other mines in the gold region of Virginia, I have received the able 
