MINES 275 



veins are very numerous, and run through a considerable space, divided into four dis- 

 tricts (arrondissements), each of which contains more than 15 distinct explorations. 

 When a new mine is opened, it is generally as an open-cast, which embraces several 

 veins, and they then prosecute by subterranean workings only those that appear to be 

 of consequence. The workings are about 200 fathoms deep. Fire is employed for 

 attacking the ore. In 1782 the formation of a new adit-level was commenced, 

 destined to have a length of 10,000 yards, and to cost 60,0002. These mines, since 

 their discovery till 1792, have afforded a quantity of silver equivalent to above 

 4,000,000^. sterling. The year 1768 was the most productive, having yielded 38,000 

 marcs of silver. Twice during the present century they have been threatened with 

 abandonment, but have again become profitable, yielding from 1,300 to 1,400 kilo- 

 grams of silver per annum. 



Cobalt mines may be noticed at Modum or Fossum, 8 leagues W. of Christiania ; 

 they are extensive, but of little depth. 



Lastly, graphite is explored at Englldal ; and chromatc of iron deposits have been 

 noticed in some parts of Norway. 



The irons of Sweden enjoy a merited reputation, and form one of the chief objects 

 of the commerce of that kingdom. Few countries, indeed, combine so many valuable 

 advantages for this species of manufacture. Inexhaustible deposits of iron ore are 

 placed amid immense forests of birches and resinous trees, whose charcoal is pro- 

 bably the best for the reduction of iron. The different groups of iron mines and forges 

 form small districts of wealth and animation in the midst of these desolate regions. 



The province of Wermeland, including the north bank of the lake Wener, is one of 

 the richest of Sweden in iron mines. The two most important are those of Nord- 

 marck, 3 leagues north of Filipstadt, and those of Perseberg, 2j leagues east from 

 the same city. Filipstadt is about 50 leagues W. N.W. from Stockholm. Both 

 mines are opened on veins or beds of magnetic oxide of iron several yards thick, 

 directed from N. to S. in a ground composed of hornblende, talcose and granite rocks. 

 These masses are nearly vertical, and are explored in the open air to a depth of 130 

 yards. 



The principal iron mines of Rosslagen (part of the province of Upland), are those 

 of Damiemora, situated 1 1 leagues from Upsal. They stand in the first rank of those 

 of Sweden, and even of Europe. The masses worked upon are somewhat lenticular, 

 and vertical, running from N.E. to S.W., and are incased in a ground formed of 

 primary rocks, among which gneiss, petrosilex and granite are most conspicuous. 

 They amount to three in number, very distinct, and parallel to each other ; and are 

 explored through a length of more than* 1,500 yards, and to a depth of above 80, by 

 the employment of fire, and blasting with gunpowder. The explorations are mere 

 quarries, each presenting an open chasm 65 yards wide, by a much more considerable 

 length and an appalling depth. Magnetic iron ore is extracted thence, which fur- 

 nishes the best iron of Sweden and Europe ; an iron admirably qualified for conversion 

 into steel. 



Of the works which prepare bar iron from the Dannemora ores, may bo mentioned 

 in the first class Lofsta, Osterby, Simo, and Kanas. 



The island of Utoe, situated near the coast of the province of Upland, presents also 

 rich iron mines. The magnetic ore there forms a thick bed in the gneiss. It is 

 worked in trenches far below the level of the sea. The ore cannot be smelted in the 

 island itself ; but is transported in great quantities to the continent. 



The province of Smoland includes also very remarkable mines. Near Jonkoping, 

 a hill called the Taberg occurs, formed in a great measure of magnetic oxide of iron, 

 contained in a greenstone in the midst of the gneiss. 



In several parts of Lapland, the magnetic oxide of iron occurs in great beds or 

 immense masses. At Gellivara, 200 leagues N. of Stockholm, towards the 67th de- 

 gree of latitude, it constitutes a considerable mountain, into which an exploitation has 

 been opened. The iron is despatched on small sledges drawn by rein-deer to streams 

 which fall into the Lulea ; and thence by water-carriage to the port of Lulea, whera 

 it is embarked for Stockholm. 



There are a great many iron works in Dalecarlia, but a portion of the ores are got 

 from alluvial deposits. Similar deposits exist also in the provinces of Wermeland and 

 Smoland. 



The annual production of the iron mines and furnaces of Sweden and Norway has 

 increased but little of late years, the chief attention being devoted to the quality, and 

 not to the quantity. At present it amounts to above 150,000 tons of pig iron, of 

 which probably two-thirds are exported as bar iron, steel, &c. 



The copper mines of Sweden are scarcely less celebrated than its iron mines. The 

 principal is that of Falun or Kopparberg, situated in Dalecarlia, near the town of 

 Falun, 40 leagues N.W. of Stockholm. It is excavated in an irregular and very 



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