246 



ON THE MINES AND MINERAL 



may be retained for the necessary period. They would, at least, have 

 the good effect of enabling us to obtain better data; for judging, whether 

 or not, any further improvements and extension of the system, would be 

 advisable. In the former case, experienced and practical people might 

 be invited from England; for the purpose of improving the various opera- 

 tions of mining, roasting, smelting, refining the ore, &c. 



The improvements which appear to me suited to the actual condition of 

 things are as follows. The present narrow and inaccessible galleries should 

 be enlarged; so as to admit, not only of an erect position, but of a man's 

 working with effect, in them. This, of course, only applies to such as fur- 

 nish a sufficient supply of ore ; or to new galleries just commenced. Vertical 

 shafts should be sunk when advisable, so as to admit of the ore being fol- 

 lowed with effect. In many cases, however, this would be perfectly im- 

 possible ; from the nature of the mountain, in which the mine is situated. 

 Strong and effective timbers should be put up, for the support of the rock, 

 when at all likely to fail : and to effect all these purposes, proper tools, made 

 of good iron ; and not the inferior kind, at present used ; should be provid- 

 ed. The method of splitting rocks, by the wedge; and by blasting; might 

 be introduced with advantage : and generally, such other practical improve- 

 ments, as, though readily suggesting themselves on the spot, are not easy 

 to be enumerated connectedly. 



With regard to the drainage ; the present system is, perhaps, the 

 cheapest that could be devised, as far as it goes : but it is only calculated 

 to meet, one, of many numerous cases occurring in practice. Should 

 the ore be situated below the level of the mouth of the mine; some 

 method is then required to raise the water, which will flow into the 

 new excavation, to that level, at which it may flow out. At present, 

 I am inclined to think, that much valuable ore is lost ; owing to the 



difficulties 



