On the Occurrence and Winning of Gold in Ireland. 271 



whose numbers had before that time increased to a very alarming 

 degree, 



" Secondly. — To produce, if possible, a profit from the -workings. 



" Thirdly. — To ascertain whether the works should be proceeded upon 

 or abandoned." 



To carry out these instructions they proceeded to rewash the 

 clay and gravel which " had been rudely washed by the popu- 

 lace," and to continue the works after the gold wherever it was 

 found, till the depth of covering "had become so thick as to 

 preclude the hope of gain from individual trials, conducted with- 

 out order or regularity." 



In the meantime the natives, who had been driven from their 

 diggings in Ballinvally, were exploring the neighbouring brooks 

 but any discoveries they made they endeavoured to keep secret 

 because whenever the directors heard of one, they proceeded 

 thither and instituted trials. These were, however, all abandoned 

 after a short time, as none of the places appeared as favourable 

 as the Ballinvally stream. 



These stream operations were continued until May, 1798, when 

 the labourers having deserted to join the insurrection, the mining 

 plant was carried into Rathdrum to assist in fortifying a barrack , 

 after which the insurgents burned the miners' huts. 



Up to this period the gold obtained amounted to 555 oz., 

 17 dwt., 221 g^Sj which produced £2,146 15s,, and had cost 

 £1,815 16s. 5d 



The gold is described as of a bright yellow colour and very 

 malleable, about 22 carats fine; the alloy being silver with a 

 little copper and iron. It had a specific gravity of from 12, that 

 of the largest piece obtained, to 16*5, that of the line grains ; the 

 low specific gravity being due to its porosity, some of the cavities 

 containing ferric oxide and quartz. At that time its marketable 

 value was £4 per oz. 



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