78 MINING IN CHAP, ir- 



The third period of Grecian mining may be 

 noticed without extending the subject to any 

 great length. Philip of Macedon, the father of 

 Alexander, concluded an alliance with the 

 Olynthians, and proceeded to possess himself of 

 the gold mines of Thrace, which had been worked 

 from a distant period by some emigrants from 

 Thasus. 



By the attention he turned to the improve- 

 ment of those mines, he appears to have suc- 

 ceeded in rendering them far more productive 

 than before. The expense incurred in the 

 course of his improvements appears to be chiefly 

 that arising from the great influx of water, as 

 the shafts were continued to a greater depth. 

 From the general ignorance in mechanics, this 

 water could only be removed by the employment 

 of a much greater number of men than had 

 previously been occupied in that part of the 

 labour. By perseverance, however, Philip was 

 enabled to increase the produce of the mines; 

 but it is doubtful if the actual net proceeds were 

 equal to or at least exceeded what had been ex- 

 pended in acquiring them. 



" Public Economy of Athens/' more accounts of the mines of 

 Laurion in Attica than have been here communicated. It would, 

 however, have extended this branch of the subject beyond its 

 due proportion, and if it prevented any inquirer from a re- 

 ference to that valuable work, it would have been depriving 

 him of a high gratification. 



