1 42 Silver Mines of Mexico. 



works were extended below these adits as far as the skill of 

 those employed could carry them, but the depths to be drained 

 by machinery are not very great. The mine of Moran was se- 

 lected many years ago as a proper place for trying the effect of 

 a water pressure engine which was erected by a German 

 engineer; but after it had drained the mine in a rainy season, 

 it was found that in the long droughts the supply of water to 

 keep it in motion was insufficient to produce any regular 

 effect, and the working was discontinued. 



The prospectus of another company has also lately appeared, 

 whose capital is to be ^240,000 in 6000 shares of £*0 each. 

 This association is formed to work mines, to raise or purchase 

 gold and silver ores or metals, and to smelt, reduce, refine, 

 and separate the same, by the combination of European skill 

 and capital with Mexican interests, through the medium of 

 Don Lucas Alaman, a native of and residing in Mexico; but 

 it has not been deemed expedient to enter into actual contracts 

 for working mines, until the association be formed and the 

 extent of its capital ascertained. 



The above is, we believe, a tolerably correct outline of the 

 three great establishments formed for the purposes we have 

 described, and they seem likely to possess the means of making 

 the experiment with energy and effect. If no injudicious 

 rivalry should take place, which would be absurd where the 

 field for exertion is so large, they may mutually support and 

 assist each other, and the chance of ultimate success may thus 

 be much increased. 



As far as we can form an opinion, we should think that 

 these speculations offer bright prospects of advantage, but 

 that they are attended with many and obvious risks. 



To the two countries the benefits are sufficiently appa- 

 rent: Mexico must gain by the re-opening of the principal 

 sources of its wealth, by the increase of skill and experience, 

 and by the profitable employment of its population ; all tend- 

 ing to settle and improve the circumstances of the Govern- 

 ment. 



As far as England is concerned, the prospect of a trade 

 with such a region, where the distance is not formidable, 

 where the interchange of the valuable metals for the British 

 manufactures may be to a great and almost unlimited extent, 

 cannot but be esteemed most important to our commercial in- 

 terests; while the very employment of capital from this coun- 

 try is thrown into a channel that may create a source of pro- 

 fitable intercourse hardly to be anticipated. 



The risks are principally to be classed under the following 

 heads : political events, the uncertainty of all mining opera- 

 tions, 



