SUMMAEY. 193 



favoring of it are strong — there seems to be no reason for doubting the 

 presence of ore below, provided that the limestone was in a fit state to ad- 

 mit the ore-bearing solutions during the period of deposition. That this 

 was the case is indicated by what has been thus far observed in the lower 

 limestone and by the fact that ore was found in the Ruby Hill fault-fissure 

 when it was laid bare by the cross-cut from the 1,200-foot level of the 

 Locan shaft. On the other hand, if the ore bodies were dependent upon 

 the prior formation of caves they will not be found below the water-level, 

 as cave formation could not take place much below that plane. 



Whether the extraction of the ore in the deeper workings will prove 

 profitable will depend upon the flow of water, size of ore bodies, value of 

 ore, and facilities with which it can be reduced. Water may prove a serious 

 impediment, but it is not necessarily one which should be fatal to the ex- 

 ploration of these mines. As to the size of the ore bodies no satisfactory 

 predictions can be made. No great change in the value of the ore as re- 

 gards silver need be feared, though it is possible that the contents in gold 

 may decrease. 



2654 l 13 



