THE CALUMET AND HECLA MINE 87 



average depth of about fifteen hundred feet. In 1911 

 this engine was hoisting seven and a half ton skips from 

 a depth of six thousand feet ! On one occasion he threw 

 away, unused, without the slightest hesitation, some ex- 

 tremely expensive machinery, because while it was being 

 made he had discovered a cheaper method, and realized 

 that this action would prove far wiser in the end. 



It was always his aim, wherever possible, to duplicate 

 the machinery, "to guard stockholders against disasters 

 incident to a mining company's work." The quotation 

 from an annual report characteristically continues : 

 "Nothing else could have insured our employees the 

 steady work they have enjoyed since the opening of the 

 mine. A more parsimonious policy would have entailed 

 many delays." 



Contrary to the general practice of thd day, but 

 backed by Mr. E. D. Leavitt, his mechanical engineer, 

 he installed the most expensive hoisting engines in order 

 to save fuel. At the time this was not generally thought 

 the most economical method, on account of the irregu- 

 larity of the work required of the engines. Only in very 

 recent years have the best experts in mining machinery 

 conceded that such engines justify their expense. This 

 is but one of many examples where in economy and effi- 

 ciency the methods employed have been in advance of 

 the times. 



In 1901, Mr. James MacNaughton, a product of the 

 younger generation which had grown up at Calumet, 

 was made general manager. This proved a most for- 

 tunate appointment, his executive ability, and power to 

 handle men, enabling him to assume much that had 

 formerly fallen on Agassiz's shoulders. A new gener- 

 ation also was growing up in the Boston office, where 



