Geology 



which we made an examination of the plateau. We 

 were able to trace two sets of mineral veins across its 

 surface by means of the grassy " lanes " which they 

 formed, namely, one set of narrow veins running east 

 and west, to which the one where we had used the 

 dynamite belonged, and another set represented, so far 

 as we could see, by two much wider veins, the one in 

 which our shaft was being dug, and another, 600 yards 

 away, and of the same width, 30 feet. The trend of 

 this latter set was south 10 east. 



On the surface of the plateau between the two large 

 veins was a curious circular hollow with a flat floor some 

 10 feet below the general surface. It was 60 feet in 

 diameter, and overgrown by small bushes. It suggested 

 an abandoned water sink, and much tempted us to 

 further investigation, but as our business on this ex- 

 pedition was economic geology, we decided to leave it, 

 at all events until we had completed our prospecting of 

 the mineral veins. 



Being informed that a sufficiency of poles had been 

 cut, and that all was ready for transporting them to the 

 plateau, we rejoined our men on the river bank, as all 

 hands would be required. The work of hauling the 

 logs up the scree was heavy in the extreme, and 

 occupied three days, after which we decided to give all 

 hands two days' rest, and returned to the riverside camp, 

 as that was the more comfortable. 



Back on the plateau, we rigged a small windlass 

 above the shaft, timbered the sides, and then continued 

 the excavation. 



The spoil was hoisted out in a large wooden box 



made for the purpose. 



198 



