286 WYNNE : GEOLOGY OF THE SALT EA.NGE IN THE PUNJAB. 



place, and still more from the state of things described by Dr. Fleming- 

 and Mr. Theobald or previous writers. When I was going through them 

 first with the Deputy Collector formerly in charge * his kindly warnings 

 not to remain in certain places were repeatedly given; but now/ even 

 though the mines are far from being everywhere safe, the alteration in 

 them is so great that an air of security is derived from the regularity of 

 the new works, and the business-like manner in which the operations are 

 being carried on. Since Dr. Warth took charge, this great improvement 

 has been effected, though improvements upon the old systemless plan of 

 working were of course in progress ever since the British rule began, as 

 evidenced by the very names of workings like " Thompson's drift,'* 

 " Purdon's tunnel," '' Matthew's drift," &c. Only a few years since, 

 entrance to the mines was gained down a slippery incline or through an 

 adit, but now one can drive in upon a tramway, through a spacious 

 passage, and observe a system of regular pillars and openings, with 

 various inclined and other drifts, leading to a main passage, through 

 which the salt is taken out of the mine in trucks. In former days, the 

 two principal mines here (the Baggi and Sujewal mines) were discon- 

 nected, and both of them ill ventilated : a passage has now been opened 

 from one to the other, which not only gives a fine rush of air through 

 the mine, but offers an additional means of escape for the numerous 

 workmen in case of danger. 



The old chambers, however, still remain to contrast with the new 

 system, and when lighted up the effect of these great caverns is very 

 picturesque, particularly under the influence of coloured lights or that 

 from the magnesium lamp ; but it is only in very strong lights that 

 the brilliant reflections from the facets of crystals become at all 

 prominent, though frequently spoken of by previous writers, before 

 blasting powder was so much used ; nor are stalactitic masses so common 

 as one might expect. 



* The late Mr. Mathews. 



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