278 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS OU" 



which would probably obstruct the working of 

 mines in the provinces of Rio de la Plata by an 

 English association. 



PHYSICAL. 



1. The great distances which separate the mines 

 from their supplies of men, tools, materials, provi- 

 sions, he, and which separate one mine from ano- 

 ther ; badness of the roads ; danger in passing the 

 laderos; torrents and rivers without bridges, and 

 often impassable ; the locality of the mines, which 

 are generally situated among lofty and barren moun- 

 tains, without resources or supplies; — the above 

 would require expensive disbursements, and would 

 often cause a great delay, which, in mercantile ope- 

 rations, is a loss of money. 



2. The dryness of the climate, which affords no 

 water for machinery, or for washing the ores ; but 

 little even to drink ; the mine itself dry, or nearly 

 so. In consequence of the above, machinery is 

 inapplicable, and the mines are better adapted to 

 the limited exertions of a few people, than to the 

 extensive operations of an English association. 



3. Heat of the climate ; its effects on Europeans. 



