GOLD 131 



ment the most that can be said is that it is only 

 awakening, and the promoters have assuredly had 

 to struggle not only with the difficulties inseparable 

 from a country whose geological formation is im- 

 certain, but with want of proper means of convey- 

 ance, a sickly climate, and, greatest handicap of 

 all, insufficient capital to tide them over the doubts 

 and fears of its initial stages. 



In almost if not all the streams draining the 

 districts mentioned, alluvial gold has been found 

 in encouraging quantities, and many claims have 

 been registered on the Luia, M'lavi, and Muaredzi. 

 "Pay-dirt" from the bed of these streams passed 

 through a sluice-box gives an average of 9 grains 

 to the ton, and would seem, therefore, should there 

 be sufficient water for the purpose, to offisr in- 

 ducements to the system known as "dredging." 



In the district of Mino, in the same portion of 

 Zambezia, a formation was discovered which yielded 

 silver 1 oz. 3 dwts., copper 3"25 per cent., and lead 

 15*58 per cent. Uncertainty exists as to the extent 

 of this system, but I have been informed that the 

 discovery is regarded as one of importance. 



In Macanga much attention has been devoted 

 to prospecting, where, especially surrounding 

 Machinga, extensive ancient workings have been 

 brought to light ; no exceptionally rich systems 

 were, however, disclosed, although in the neigh- 

 bouring stream-beds good alluvial deposits were 

 observed. The rocks in this part of the country 

 are of consistent ferruginous schistose-quartz for- 

 mation. 



What I look upon as a source of more assured 



