32 



TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



The wet stamps and Tyrolese mills if used, and 

 found to obtain all the disintegrated gold would an- 

 swer well, in connexion with a process of concentrat- 

 ion, to obtain the sulphuret of iron. This auriferous 

 sulphuret residuum might with great ease, by being thus 

 concentrated, be smelted in a gold region such as the 

 United States, where the forests are boundless and 

 close, covering the very surface of the ground, where 

 the mines are most commonly met with. There are 

 alkaline fluxes which could be used that cost less than 

 one dollar per cwt.: lime too is abundant, were that 

 deemed necessary, and excellent fire clay for brick is to 

 be found every where. 



Taking a glance at the various circumstances which 

 combine to render the gold region of the U. States a 

 favorable site for mining establishments, much might be 

 said of the cheapness of slave labor ; (slaves alone are 

 employed in the coal mines of Virginia.) The abund- 

 ance of timber and fuel, the advantages of inland steam 

 navigation, the healthy and excellent climate and more 

 than all the security of life and property which, unlike 

 the sad picture exhibited in the ci-devant of the Spa- 

 nish colonies, give assurance to the capitalist that he 

 will be permitted in peace and tranquillity, to reap the 

 reward of his labors and skill. 



