GOLD-MINES OF GEORGIA. 



339 



the eastern part of the Cherokee Country was a 

 gold region, and the nation was run over by not less 

 than 5000 gold hunters, while in Habersham and 

 Hall counties 1000 more adventurers were seeking 

 for hidden treasure. Numerous veins were found 

 penetrating the solid quartz rock, and as individuals 

 were too poor to work them, several companies 

 were formed, which are now engaged in regular ex- 

 plorations. 



The greatest quantity of gold has been found in 

 the vicinity of a ridge of hornblende slate, which 

 can be traced from Alabama, through the whole 

 gold region of Georgia, a little east of the Blue 

 Ridge, into North Carolina. The gold district of 

 this state may then be said to occupy the whole of 

 its northwestern part, and to extend probably far 

 south, with an average breadth of from 50 to 80 

 miles. The other minerals found in this region 

 are silver, lead, iron, titanium, copper, mercury? gar- 

 net, tourmaline, zircon, &c. Judge Peck remarks, 

 " That the section described is immensely rich in 

 metals, and the wise will no doubt turn this gift of 

 Providence into a blessing ; the country has as fine 

 water or air as is drunk or breathed in the world, 

 and there is much good land." 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



MINERAL RESOURCES OF THE UNITED STATES 



— (Continued). 



Lead.— Copper— Silver.— Manganese.— Peat.— Marl.— Granite 

 Lime.— Gypsum. — Marble.— Salt.— Petroleum.— Carburetted 

 Hydrogen. 



A full account of the mineral riches of the Uni- 

 ted States would fill many volumes ; of those which 



