PRODUCTIONS OF THE HIMALAYA. 



257 



mere land tax of the mine at Aiyar. I could not learn any particulars 

 regarding the rent, the people being uncommunicative.* 



With regard to the truth of their assertion, that these mines have 

 ceased to be profitable, it is very difficult to judge. They are still worked, 

 which is a presumption against it, but without a personal examination of 

 the several galleries, and they are exceedingly numerous, it is difficult to 

 say positively whether this assertion be correct or otherwise. I have 

 however little doubt but they might be made productive, by a more en- 

 larged and perfect system of work; and I found this opinion on the great 

 number of excavations, clearly proving the original abundance of the ore. 

 It is not likely, that the several veins or beds, have been exhausted by a 

 system of mining which admits of no ventilation ; and has no galleries, ex- 

 ceeding probably two hundred yards in length. At all events some trials, 

 and a closer examination, would seem to be advisable ; particularly when 

 it is considered that there has been a falling off in the revenue, amount- 

 ing to upwards of four thousand rupees yearly. To offer the mines to the 

 highest bidder, would not be likely to elicit any light on the subject. It 

 is not probable that any mountaineer could be got to undertake the 

 work in opposition to those residing on the spot,! and having the advan- 

 tage of experience. 



The mine at Bhatnor is situated in clay slate. The rock where 

 the mine penetrates is so tender and fragmentary, as when removed 

 from the mine to have all the appearance of angular debris. Owing to 

 this circumstance, the roof of the mine, as well as the sides, have occasion 



to 



* The village belongs to the Rajah Sirmur, 



f Oa account of the difficulties a stranger (if a native) would have to contend with ; there 

 would be, most probably, an organised opposition of the whole neighbourhood, to thwart him. 



3 T 



