250 



ON THE MINES AND MINERAL 



unknown to the mountaineer. It is probable, that it would materially 

 improve the quality ; or at least, the appearance of the article. 



Lead is sometimes used, both in Hungary, and England, to expedite 

 the previous operations of the refinery. The oxides of this metal, are 

 amongst the most powerful vitrifiers known : as such they are effectual in 

 the assay and refinement of the precious metals ; and as such they may be 

 used also with copper: but the process requires attention, as if not stopped 

 in time, or too much lead added ; the copper itself will be oxidated and vi- 

 trified. Applied with proper caution, it would, no doubt, be a most useful 

 material to the mountaineer; and the occurrence of this metal, in the 

 vicinity of the copper mines, obviates every objection on the score of 

 expence. 



On the supposition of Government establishing an experimental 

 mine; I would propose that all the different processes of mining, extract- 

 ing the ore, removing it, for pounding, roasting, smelting, refining, &c. 

 should be performed by the job, and not by the day. This, which is one 

 of the most important improvements in modern management, is particu- 

 larly necessary on a new experiment ; because it makes it the interest of 

 the people employed, to co-operate with, instead of endeavouring to thwart 

 us : the implements, tools, apparatus, furnaces, &c. to be all furnished at 

 the expence of Government ; and a given tale established for the different 

 kinds of rock and ore, both for removal from the mine, and for the cal- 

 cining and smelting of the latter. 



2.— The Iron Mines. 



The foregoing includes all that immediately suggests itself, as feasi- 

 ble improvement in the management of the copper mines : I have pro- 

 posed, 



