NELLORE COPPER WORKINGS. 85 



of Gurmanipenta, 4 miles west of Yerrapilly. Mr. Travers opened two 

 veins, which he followed about £0 or 30 feet. The openings were about 

 4 feet in diameter, and ran into the earth at about an angle of 45 degrees. 

 The ore was found in masses breaking off for 2 or 3 feet and again ap- 

 pearing. The veins ran obliquely towards the beds of the deep rivulets. 

 The ore found at Gurmanipenta had a different appearance from that 

 found at Yerrapilly, the latter not being so blended with spar as the former. 

 Among the specimens were some very beautiful and perfect crystalliza- 

 tions and some pieces of a very dark iron appearance and a very black- 

 green, which two descriptions upon experiment with a blow pipe and a 

 piece of charcoal were found to yield 75 per cent, of copper without the 

 aid of any flux. Other specimens of ore by experiment by fire and acid 

 were found to yield from 20 to 70 per cent, of metal. Specimens of 

 the copper were sent home and assayed. Although not equally rich in 

 the metal, they were found to be remarkably fusible, very free from iron, 

 and consequently well adapted for sheathing. These mines were in 

 consequence leased to a contractor for five years by the Government. 

 It was thought that the direct interests of a speculator would natural- 

 ly stimulate to greater exertion and a more economical expenditure in 

 effecting the object than could be expected from the employment of a 

 Government agent, the latter having an immediate reward for his labour 

 in a competent salary, whatever his success might be, whereas the 

 speculator would be compelled to complete* his purpose on the most 

 prudent plan and least loss of time, as he would depend on its 

 accomplishment for his reimbursement. One specimen of the ore 

 weighing 20 cwt. yielded 9 cwt. 1 quarter. 



" The principal places where the copper ore was found were about 50 

 miles north-west from Nellore, 30 from the sea, and about 40 north-east 

 from Cuddapah. Several streams traverse this portion of country, on 

 their way to the sea, and the junction of two of them forms a con- 

 siderable river at Gurmanipenta, although not navigable. Among the 

 valleys wood of a large size grows abundantly, and in the direction of 

 Ramapatam there are extensive jungles." 



Mr. A. M. Simpson (once connected with the firm of Hart & Co.), 



( 193 ) 



