INTKODUCTION. 



The sudden rise and fall, the unexpected 

 appearance and disappearance, of so many 

 Mining Companies, is a subject which must 

 necessarily occupy a few lines in the future 

 history of our country ; and when the exul- 

 tation of those who have gained, and the 

 disappointment of those who have lost, are 

 alike forgotten, the Historian who calmly 

 relates the momentary existence of these 

 Companies, will only inquire into the gene- 

 ral causes of their formation, and the gene- 

 ral causes of their failure. 



