BOOK V. 



N the last book I have explained the methods of 

 delimiting the meers along each kind of vein, and 

 the duties of mine officials. In this book^ I will 

 in hke manner explain the principles of under- 

 ground mining and the art of surveying. First 

 then, I will proceed to deal with those matters 

 which pertain to the former heading, since both the 

 subject and methodical arrangement require it. 

 And so I will describe first of all the digging of 

 shafts, tunnels, and drifts on venae profundae ; next I will discuss the good 

 indications shown by canales^, by the materials which are dug out, and by 

 the rocks ; then I will speak of the tools by which veins and rocks are broken 

 down and excavated ; the method by which fire shatters the hard veins ; 

 and further, of the machines with which water is drawn from the shafts 

 and air is forced into deep shafts and long tunnels, for digging is impeded 

 by the inrush of the former or the failure of the latter ; next I will deal 

 with the two kinds of shafts, and with the making of them and of tunnels ; 

 and finally, I will describe the method of mining venae dilatatae, venae cumu- 

 latae, and stringers. 



^It has been suggested that we should adopt throughout this volume the mechanical 

 and mining terms used in English mines at Agricola's time. We believe, however, that but 

 a little inquiry would illustrate the undcsirability of this course as a whole. Where there 

 is choice in modern miner's nomenclature between an old and a modern term, we have leaned 

 toward age, if it be a term generally understood. But except where the subject described 

 has itself become obsolete, we have revived no obsolete terms. In substantiation of this 

 view, we append a few examples of terms which served the English miner well for centuries, 

 some of which are still extant in some local communities, yet we believe they would carry 

 as little meaning to the average reader as would the reproduction of the Latin terms coined 

 by Agricola. 



cite : — 



Fossa laiens 



Fossa latens transversa 



Tectum 



Fundamenium 



Tigna per iniervalla posiia 



Arbores dissectae 



Formae 



We have adopted the term " tunnel " for openings by way of outlet to the mine. 

 The word in this narrow sense is as old as " adit," a term less expressive and not so generally 

 used in the English-speaking mining world. We have for the same reason adopted the word 

 " drift " instead of the term " level " so generally used in America, because that term alwaj's 

 leads to confusion in discussion of mine surveys. We may mention, however, that the term 

 " level " is a heritage from theDerbyshire mines, and is of an equally respectable age as "drift." 

 *See note on p. 46-47. The canales, as here used, were the openings in the earth, in 

 which minerals were deposited. 



