250 



BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY 



[bull. CO 



workmen, the upper wall was approximately 100 feet in height and 

 the lower 40 feet, the mean depth being, perhaps, 60 feet at the deep- 

 est part. The sketch (fig. 120) and the photographs (fig. 12'2, «,&,(?) 



Fig. 120. Sketch indicating the present appearance of the niiue. 



will convey a definite notion of the present appearance of the exca- 

 vation. 



The vast extent of the aboriginal mica-mining industry is further 



exemplified by traces found in other sections. An 



Mines of Maeon .^^.^^^^j^^ ^f the mines of Uacon County, N. C, by 



County * ' . 



C. D. Smith, is well worthy of citation in this con- 



^. 



m. 



^\\\A^>V\\\\,\n\\\\\\\v\\v\v^^ 



Fu;. 121. Section of the Clarissa mine. 



nection. It appears from this account that the ancient operations 

 were uniform with those in Mitchell and Yancey Counties. 



It is manifest that the ancient miners understood their business Avell. In- 

 deed, tlu'v SL'ldoni connnitted a niistala\ In every instance which has come 



