314 Mr. Taylor on the Economy 



The disbursements or costs are added up at the end of certain 

 periods, seldom exceeding three months, but more generally at the 

 end of every two months, at which times the adventurers meet and 

 examine the accounts ; each contributes his quota of money in time 

 for the pay-day, which takes place regularly soon after. 



When the mine becomes productive, the accounts are closed at 

 the same periods, and the profit divided to the adventurers in the 

 same manner. A balance to answer the advances made to the men, 

 and other contingencies, is usually left in the hands of the purser 

 or principal agent. 



The general detail of management is often delegated to one 

 person, who controuls and superintends the whole affairs of the 

 mine ; most commonly this person is one of the parties concerned 

 in the undertaking, and one who from having made the profession 

 his regular pursuit, and having, as is often the case, the care of 

 several mines, is well fitted for so important a task. Some mines 

 have the conduct of their affairs more divided, by the financial part 

 being entrusted to a purser^ and the management of the works to 

 the principal captain acting under the direction of the meetings of 

 the adventurers. 



The agents who attend regularly to the operations, and who 

 govern the executive part, are called captains, and are practical 

 miners, selected for their skill and character, and who frequently 

 pass from situations of subordinate trust and importance to those of 

 great responsibility. Their general character is well known to those 

 who have had occasion to visit the mining districts now under con- 

 sideration ; and it would be unjust not to notice here, how much of 

 the perfection of the system of management in the mines has been 

 owing to the zeal and intelligence of this respectable class of men, 

 and how much its useful application constantly depends on their 

 knowledge and activity. 



