21 



Dog, Boar. Each of these signs is again divided into 3X10 parts (sometimes 

 less) thus giving in the whole a division of the limb into 3C0 equal parts. 

 ► For observations, the number of degrees inside one sign is read. 



For levelling is used a plumb-level and ruler ; for length measurements a 

 measuring-staff or-cord, taking as unit the ordinary shaku (foot) with its 

 subdivisions. One mining ken is 5 shaku. 



Although such surveys are. far from being exact, they nevertheless have their 

 value as guides. 



OFFICERS AND WORKMEN. 



Although even the private mines are able to show a numerous staff of officers 

 the superintendence of the practical work is geneialiy not considered of that 

 importance which it might claim, while on the other hand great care is bestow- 

 ed upon the book-keeping. 



The latter comprises the keeping of stock, produce-and wages-tables, — 

 smelting books being kept only to a limited extent' — and it is, owing to the 

 painful minuteness, with which details are recorded and the accounts kept in 

 fractions of a hundreth part of a sen rather voluminous ; principally on account 

 of the use of Chinese figures it fails, I think, to give that clear and rapid insight 

 which is obtained by the aid of Arabian figures. 



As to the practical management of the mining operations, at least to their 

 productive part, it has been mentioned already that the contractors or middle- 

 men enjoy a rather far going authority, in most cases not to the advantage of 

 the mine. 



The subaltern class of overseers and foremen who fill the intermediate sta- 

 tion between officers and workmen, is mostly recruited from people who have 

 learnt to read, write and cipher, but who had previously no practical training 

 in their respective functions. 



Probably in order to do evenbanded justice to every one of them, to give them 

 opportunity of becoming acquainted with all the branches of the work, etc. a 

 frequent alternation in their functions is unfortunately the custom. 



A workman can scarcely ever be promoted to any of these positions, in the 

 first place, because there is an objection to having a coolie in the office, secondly 

 on account of his as a rule not being sufficiently well trained in writing and 

 ciphering. 



Now, when no opportunity is offered to a workman, by industry and good 

 behaviour to raise himself to a higher step, then he will not overexert liimself 

 and especially not, if he must apprehend, that any extraordinary exeition on 

 his part might lead to a reduction in the contract price of task- work. 



