PRODUCTIONS OF THE HIMALAYA. 



245 



The whole system, thus briefly described ; is evidently, extremely rude, 

 and inefficient. Worse methods, I do not think, could well be devised. 

 They are, however, the natural result of the contracted views and want of 

 enterprise, of the native character. It would, probably, be difficult to con- 

 vince them ; that any system of working, requiring an increase of outlay ; 

 could possibly be equally advantageous. It is hardly to be expected, 

 therefore, that they will ever adopt any improvements of this kind : until 

 at least, they can have the proof of direct experience ; in favor of the greater 

 profit, they may bring. Any important amelioration of the system, must 

 then proceed either from the Government, or from some European capi- 

 talist : and when the advantage of the new methods shall be clearly seen in 

 an increased produce, and improved quality of metal; it is possible that 

 then, but not till then, the mountaineer also, may begin to adopt them. 



In England, the copper mines present a scene, perhaps, the first in 

 the world, (except in the coal-mines of the same country) for commercial 

 enterprise, scientific combination and mechanical skill. Such a system has 

 been the growth of circumstances; and is only fitted to those circumstances, 

 and to that country, in which it orginated. To attempt working these 

 mines, on ariy thing like a similar scale ; would be absurd : at least, before 

 the productiveness of the several repositories of the ore, be clearly as- 

 certained; and facilities of transport created, which do not at present 

 exist. But, there are many modifications and improvements, which seem 

 perfectly fitted to the state of things in the mountains ; and which would 

 involve little additional expence to the present outlay. In fact, there 

 seems a wide interval, between the Chilian and English systems ; while the 

 modifications here contemplated, would probably, stop short of, even, the 

 former. Supposing the expediency of such improvements, or a part of them 

 generally admitted ; they must, I think, to have justice done them, be in- 

 troduced under the orders of government, in some mine, the lease of which 



3 Q may 



