238 



ON THE MINES AND MINERAL 



small duty ; but the amount was too trifling to render its continuance ex- 

 pedient, and it was accordingly abolished by the Commissioner. I think, 

 however, the amount of metal obtained from this source, might be increas- 

 ed by attempting the operation on a larger scale. Hitherto the work of an 

 unassisted individual; who has neither means or inclination to do more, 

 than will earn his daily pittance ; and who compelled to execute every 

 part of the process himself, necessarily loses time, and does nothing well ; 

 it is not to be wondered that the produce has been trifling. Mercury is used 

 for the final separation of the gold ; but it is driven off* again in an open 

 vessel, and consequently lost. On the small scale on which they work, this 

 is not felt to be a loss. The common account is, that a man's daily labor will 

 earn him two annas : but this estimate is certainly much under the truth. 



The method followed is abundantly obvious. The gravel in which 

 the gold-dust is always found ; and which in some rivers is the superficial 

 deposit, in others, lies under a bed of sand ; is collected in heaps, and wash- 

 ed on a stage, or imperfect riddle, made of bamboos. The pebbles of any 

 size are retained by this, and then rejected ; while the sand which passes 

 through the interstices, is carefully preserved. When a sufficient quantity 

 is collected, it is put into a wooden trough, of about three, to five, feet in 

 length, and a foot broad : being filled with water, the whole is agitated by 

 the hand, and such a degree of inclination skilfully given, as shall carry 

 off* all the lighter particles ; leaving a heavy black sand, behind. It is in 

 this sand, that the particles of gold are found. It is triturated with quick- 

 silver, which takes up the gold ; and the amalgam being separated from 

 the still remaining impurities, is set over a fire to evaporate the mercury : 

 the gold remaining behind, in the vessel. 



Of the mines, at present, worked in these mountains ; those which 

 yield copper, are undoubtedly the most important. With regard to the 



IRON 



