168 On the Mines qf Mexico. 
war, and the disorders that followed, had so completely impo- 
verished. 
The next and almost equally important question, will be the 
mode of dressing and refining the ores. The process of separat- 
ing the ore from the dross in its earliest stage, is termed dressing; 
and, like other branches connected with mining, has, in this coun- 
try, experienced great improvement in the course of the present 
age. This has been effected by the application of improved ma- 
chinery ; such as, stamping mills and crushing rollers. After 
this first process, the ore is farther refined by smelting, as prac- 
tised in England, or by amalgamating, as is frequent in Germa- 
ny ; the former taking place by the aid of fuel, the latter by the 
application of quicksilver. 
The Mexicans have, in general, refined their ore by amalga- 
mation ; but long as has been their experience in this branch, 
they are greatly behind the refiners of Saxony, and incur both 
an unnecessary waste of quicksilver, and a miserable sacrifice of 
time. Are our countrymen likely to continue the practice of 
amalgamation, introducing the improved method of the Germans; 
or will they substitute for it the process of smelting, as practised 
in Sheffield, and other parts of England ? The latter seems more 
probable, since several of the mining districts in Mexico promise 
an abundant supply of lead-ore, an ingredient of the first im- 
portance in smelting. 
We propose, at an early opportunity, to resume this subject, 
continuing our observations on the Mines of Mexico, and laying 
before our readers some remarks on those of Columbia, which 
have been so lately brought before the public. 
In regard to the probable success of these undertakings, we de- 
cline drawing any inference from the favour they have lately ex- 
perienced on the Stock Exchange ; and shall merely remark, that 
if, under a system, which, whether we look to the raising of the 
ore to the surface, or the subsequent process of dressing and re- 
fining, was extremely awkward and expensive, these mines proved 
profitable to the owners, much more are they likely to be so^ 
when wrought with all the aid of capital and science. 
