118 Rem.ar'ks on the Gold Mines of Virginia. 



The hydraulic power, already mentioned, will soon be turned to 

 great account, by the various constructions now in great forwardness. 

 The entire river Rapidan, here about three hundred feet wide and 

 three feet deep — is raised by a dam, now nearly finished, near the 

 uppermost point of the tract of the Company. The dam is two 

 hundred and tv^^enty five feet long, besides the abutments, which are 

 one hundred and sixty feet more, making four hundred and twelve 

 feet. The height of the dam is in front nine feet — rising six feet 

 above the water below ; the water above the dam is eight feet deep, 

 and below it is three feet. 



The object of the dam is to turn the water into a canal which runs 

 along the left bank of the river, for the distance of five thousand four 

 hundred feet — over one mile. This canal, which is already to a 

 great extent excavated, is from eighteen to twenty feet wide at top, 

 and nine feet at bottom, and fitted for a depth of water of seven feet. 



The river W\\\ be led into it, through a very strong gate-way, sup- 

 ported by a powerful frame-work. 



The amount of water-power secured by this canal, is so great, that 

 several mills, in addition to those now in construction, might be dri- 

 ven by it. A saw-mill for the purposes of the mine, is in the course 

 of construction, above two-thirds of the way down the canal ; it will 

 be supplied by a lateral cut. The building is forty five feet by four- 

 teen ; it will contain one saw, which will cut one thousand five hun- 

 dred feet of inch plank in a day. 



The stamping and amalgamating mills, for which mainly the canal 

 is excavated, are to be contained in a building sixty four feet by thirty, 

 of very strong timber, thoroughly framed. It has a basement story 

 of twelve feet high, substantially built of stone. The water wheel is 

 sixteen feet by nine, and is undershot. It will carry twenty heavy 

 stamps, for Crushing the ore, and the number may be doubled. There 

 is room and power enough for Chilian, Tyrolese and Araster mills, 

 if the latter are desired; but, it is intended to annex the simple 

 amalgamating bowls of Mr. Hitz, the skillful machinist, whose work 

 in this mill does him great credit, both for its strength and ingenuity, 

 and it is said that his amalgamating bowls are very effectual, while 

 they are comparatively cheap and simple. 



The mining operations are considerably advanced, and are con- 

 ducted by Mr. Hitz, with regularity and skill. The elevation of the 

 ground into hills, rising, as already stated, one hundred and thirty 

 feet above the river, presents great advantages for drainage, and for 



