j Mineralogy and Geology. 129 
the people, and giving them a greater power over our vast mate- 
rial resources. 
nother great means of increasing the production of the pre- 
cious metals is the construction of railways across the country, by 
which prospectors and supplies can be carried into the heart of what 
are now comparatively unexplored and unknown mineral regions ; 
and by which machinery can be delivered at moderate cost to ex- 
_ tensive regions already known, but remaining comparatively dor- 
mant for the want of rapid and cheap communication with the cen- 
ters of supply both east and west.—page 24 
_ Nearly all the great exhibitions of mineral products in the Expo- 
Sition illustrated the value of government direction and regulation 
