272 PERU. 



any water to raise, as this is the most expensive part of the process: 

 the ore is very rapidly mined, after the water is drained off. The 

 remuneration given to the proprietors of the steam-engines, is one-fifth 

 of the ore raised ; this was the sum paid to the old company, and the 

 same was stipulated to be paid to the parties who undertook the same 

 work in J 829. 



Mines are to be bought at all times, on reasonable terms ; for the 

 miners often desire to retire from business, or wish to sell for the sake 

 of profit, or are not able to carry them on from want of capital. 

 There is, however, one difficulty a purchaser has to contend with, for 

 the mines are almost always held in small shares among a number of 

 relatives, many of whom refuse to sell their small interest. This makes 

 the mines less desirable property, as difficulties almost invariably occur 

 with these small proprietors. 



No miner who has worked with reasonable prudence, steadiness, 

 and a sufficient capital, has failed to do well since the year 1833. 

 The produce of the mines of the Cerro from that time, has not varied 

 much from one year to another, as will be seen by the table heretofore 

 given. The undertakings which have been carried on upon an extensive 

 scale, are those which have prospered most. There were many 

 difficulties that the first mining companies had to encounter, that others 

 need not again apprehend; the local interests are better understood 

 and would be more respected ; a better knowledge of the people pre- 

 vails, and of the modes of mining ; and the people themselves have 

 lost some of their prejudices against foreigners. Persons may now be 

 obtained to assist in the direction as well as to afford advice to the 

 agents who may be entrusted with the affairs of the company, so that, 

 the prospects of success in the operations are decidedly more favour- 

 able than they were fifteen years ago. But although the actual 

 operation of mining may be more advantageous, yet the country in its 

 political and commercial character has very much deteriorated, and 

 it is to be apprehended, that but little capital will be invested in 

 it until there is a great change in its rulers as well as in its people, 

 and until government, the laws, and good order, become as well 

 established as they are in Ghili. All the friends of Peru, seem, how- 

 ever, to be well satisfied, from appearances, that the day is not far 

 distant when she will see the restoration of permanent tranquillity. 



To return, after this digression, to our party: they had much 

 agreeable conversation with the Chilian officers, and passed a pleasant 

 evening. As I have before spoken of the accommodations, it is 

 needless to say that they were not improved. 



On the morning of the 24th, the thermometer stood at 36° in the 



