16 



TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



AN ESSAY ON THE GOLD REGION OF THE UNITED STATES. 

 By James Dickson, F. G. S. of London, C. M. G. S. of Penn., and of various 

 Societies of Europe. Read June, 1834. 



The gold region of the United States of N. America, 

 so far as it has yet been developed by mining opera- 

 tions, is considered to extend from the Rappahannock 

 river in the state of Virginia, to the Coosa river in the 

 state of Alabama. 



The indications of the existence of gold ores have 

 been met with as far south as the Gulf of Mexico, and 

 in a northern direction in Vermont. There is but little 

 doubt, that at no distant period, it will be ascertained 

 that gold is abundant in Canada, and in regions still 

 nearer the Arctic circle. 



The importance which has of late attached itself to 

 the gold region of the United States, and the progressive 

 development of its resources, has long wanted a notice in 

 scientific journals. If, however, an unpretending state- 

 ment of facts, and the accumulated results of three 

 years research in this interesting mineral section, will 

 tend to induce a correct appreciation of the value and 

 extent of its resources, the object of this paper will have 

 been amply achieved. 



It is worthy of remark, that amid numerous obstacles 

 in the way of the American gold miner, — obstacles pro- 



