No. 50.J 
93 
These mines are of great interest to the mineralogist in consequence 
of the perfection and beauty of the crystals of galena and of the ac- 
companying minerals. The galena occurs in the form of the cube 
variously modified, Avhile of calcareous spar the varieties of form are 
almost innumerable. It will require a long and patient examination to 
describe the new and interesting varieties which have here been found. 
The same remark also applies to the iron pyrites, crystals of which are 
found associated with the galena in the form of the cube, dodecahedron 
and others. Fluor spar also occurs in the form of the octahedron and 
cubo-octahedron. Add to these the splendid specimens of crystallized 
sulphate of strontian which have recently been found in the Rossie 
vein, and we have a locality which will compare with almost any in 
the world. 
It is much to be regretted that the proprietors of these mines should 
have neglected to reserve a complete suite of the minerals found in 
them, as it would not only be of use in the mining operations, but 
would give those who might be desirous of studying these minerals an 
opportunity of so doing. Perhaps it is not yet too late to supply the 
deficiency. I trust I shall be excused for suggesting the propriety of 
making a similar collection for the State Cabinet. The value and im- 
portance of these mines would thus be more fully brought before the 
public, science would reap benefit, while the interests of the proprie- 
tors would be no less promoted. The adoption of some such plan as 
that now proposed is particularly important to those who are engaged 
in the study of our minerals, for the most interesting specimens are 
usually valued at such a high price as to place them entirely beyond 
the reach of ordinary mineralogists. I do not object to the sale of spe- 
cimens from important localities, but to the manner in which it is here 
conducted. It would be far better for all parties if the superintendents 
of the mines should take the matter into their own hands. By paying 
the miners a reasonable price for good specimens, they would feel an 
interest in obtaining them, and the whole might then be exposed for 
sale at the office of the estabhshment. 
Of the ores of zinc and copper, which have been found in various 
parts of this county, I have little to say. From the frequency of their 
occurrence, it seems not improbable that they exist in abundance, but 
on this point we are at present left entirely to conjecture. 
The deposits of iron ore are truly enormous. The magnetic kind, 
though less common, is found in several places and is of a good quality. 
