Mr. William Phillips on the Veins of Cornwall. Ml 



In the preceding pages I have ahned at glvhig a mere general 

 outline of facts ^ which, considering the imperfect state of geology ,- 

 seems to be rendering better service to science than could be de- 

 rived from a feeble attempt to raise upon their basis any theory 

 explanatory of their occurrence. Nor indeed is the knowledge of 

 insulated facts sufficient to authorize such an attempt on this im- 

 portant and difficult subject, comprehending operations on so grand 

 a scale, of a date so remote, and throughout a country so greatly 

 diversified. Before such an explanation can be satisfactorily ac- 

 complished, we have much to explore and to learn. The task 

 seems to require a combination of talent and of information, which 

 but rarely exists. But that a faithful detail of mining facts may 

 contribute to assist the geologist in his inquiries, can no more be 

 doubted, than that the science of mineralogy is absolutely essential 

 to assist him in his researches. 



It is to be regretted that the practical miner, in every part of 

 England, is almost wholly ignorant of the principles and facts of 

 mineralogy and geology. Even the conductors of the mines, 

 termed captains, are men generally of little or no education, who 

 have risen to that station by a superior attention to their art, In 

 which they have been incessantly occupied from the early age of 

 five or six years. A century ago among the miners of Cornwall, 

 whatever was not tin was heedlessly thrown aside ; and within that 

 period, on the discovery of copper ore beneath the tin, It was no 

 uncommon observation, that the ' ore came In and spoilt it.' It is 

 an undoubted fact that many roads in the county were mended with 

 copper ore. The discovery of the native silver In Herland mine 

 would have passed unnoticed, but for the vibrations of some ca- 

 pillary portions having accidentally attracted the notice of a work- 

 man ; and it is confidently believed that much of that precious 



