238 OCCURRENCE OE COPPER ORE. 



5, Proposed Exploratory Work. — The extension of this copper- 

 holding bed in a north and south direction may be regarded as fully 

 proved; and it is equally certain that at particular spots the bed car- 

 ries a profitable amount of ore. But the width of the bed, or its extent 

 in an eastward direction, is altogether unknown; and it cannot conse- 

 quently be predicted with certainty that the ore will be found in paying 

 quantity throughout the bed generally. To determine these latter 

 points, it will be necessary to carry a drift into the solid portion of the 

 bed, the character of the ground precluding other modes of exploration. 

 This drift should be run, in my opinion, from a point in the south side 

 of the ravine which opens into Little Dark Harbour. The ravine in 

 question cuts the strata of this western part of the island almost at 

 right angles. If the drift, consequently, be started in this ravine at 

 a sufficient distance from the shore, and at the proper elevation, it will 

 prove the width or extension of the bed, to that distance at least, 

 directly it strikes the solid rock ; whereas, if started on the shore face 

 of the escarpment, it will prove nothing until carried far into the bed; 

 and the amount of tumbled rock and detrital matter, to be removed or 

 passed through, will be about the same in either case. The distance 

 of Little Dark Harbour from Sloop Cove, where the present excavation 

 in the fallen rock matter has been opened, is about two and a-half 

 miles. The cost of an exploration of this character would probably 

 amount, on a rough estimate, to about two thousand five hundred or 

 three thousand dollars — a certain outlay being required for preliminary 

 expenses, in putting up shelter for the men employed, fixing forge and 

 powder house, laying in provisions, &c. 



6. IVorhing conditions of the Copper-holding hed, and genera, 

 conclusions. — The working conditions of this deposit are sufficiently 

 favorable. The rock is comparatively soft, aud is thus easily mined. 

 The post and stall system would be employed in its removal. If the 

 roof required additional support, plenty of suitable timber could bo 

 obtained on the island. The chief defect with regard to the ore, is 

 the impossibility of concentrating it by dressing, without at least a 

 very considerable loss. It might be cobbed or hand-dressed to a slight 

 extent, but would otherwise have to be treated in bulk. The gangue 

 is a silicate, free or nearly so from carbonate of lime. All things con. 

 sidered, a wet process for the extraction of the copper would give the 

 most satisfactory results. If the ore be found to retain its present 

 character, indeed, no other system could be profitably employed. It is 



