42 [Senate 



The following is a copy of the paper accompanying the specimen. 



"SULPHUR MINES OF UBALA, NEW-GRENADA. 



Towards the northeast of Bogota (capital of New- Grenada), is to be 

 found a small village, called Ubala, through which passes the high road 

 that crosses from Bogota to the plains (Llanos) of San Martine ^ and taking 

 into account the time expended by this raute, the said village is about half 

 way, for it takes three days thence to the port of Cabuyaro^ and the same 

 time to Bogota. Cabuyaro disembogues a few leagues from the port, on 

 the river Meta (a tributary of Amazon). 



The sulphur mine is situated near the village ; and throughout an extent 

 of five leagues, sulphur of the same quality has been discovered ; and it 

 is probable that a considerable part of the Cordillera, situated thereat, 

 may yield the same product. 



The method by which sulphur is procured is very simple. A layer of 

 rich vegetable earth is taken off, under which is found a black gravelly 

 soil, easily removed. This facility, in fact, occasions constant staving in 

 of the earth. At the depth of 6 feet, pyrites (piratas) begin to show them- 

 selves; and at that of 12 to 15 feet are found stripes of sulphur, between 

 thin rocks, which are easily extracted by the laborers. The width of said- 

 veins varies from a few inches up to three feet. The sulphur found therein 

 presents different aspects : there are pieces of more than 400 pounds, so- 

 pure, so transparent, that not a single particle of extraneous matter is to 

 be found therein. Other pieces are encrusted with particles of rock or 

 lava, such as the sample sent, and then they present greater solidity for 

 transportation. At other times, it is found in roundish pieces, weighing: 

 some ounces or pounds. Notwithstanding the bad system adopted in ex- 

 ploring the same, there have been weeks wherein six men, with only spades, 

 hoes and crowbars, have taken out 2,500 pounds of sulphur. 



The mines are surrounded with thick forests, which yield splendid tim- 

 ber, abundant pasturage, mines of limestone and coal. 



Signed, Y. ANTOMESA." 



From JOHN GERHARD junior, of Albany. 



A specimen of Calcareous Spar, from Ball's cave in the town of 

 Schoharie. 



A specimen of Fibrous Limestone (arragonite), from Ball's cave in the 

 town of Schoharie. 



A specimen of Satin Spas, from Ball's cave in the town of Schoharie, 



