TO THE COPPER MINES. 
233 
perfect barrier to a direct road, or even a mule path, 
across to Mule Spring, making a difference of thirty 
miles in the distance to Dona Ana. Below the mines 
the columnar masses crown the summit of the hills 
and mountains, often appearing like elevated castles. 
The sides of these mountains are well wooded, as are 
also the intervening valleys. 
Gold is said to have been found here when the 
mines were worked; and many stories are told of 
large quantities that were buried when the place was 
abandoned. About four miles distant, a deep shaft 
had been sunk, where it was said a skin containing 
more than five thousand dollars worth of gold had 
been buried. Several men took their discharge here 
for the purpose of clearing out the shaft and getting 
the buried treasure. After several weeks labor, they 
reached the bottom, and even dug some feet below ; 
but their search was not rewarded with success. This 
shaft was sunk about seventy feet below the surface. 
Veins of gold were found, but not sufficient to pay the 
cost of working ; and the spot was abandoned. I saw 
many fine specimens of lead, and one of silver ore, 
which were found in the vicinity ; but I did not visit 
the localities. The Mexicans who had formerly 
resided here assured me that the existence of silver 
was known to many at the time ; but being in the 
very heart of the Apache country, it could not be 
worked. The Indian Chiefs also said they would show 
me where there was plenty of gold, if I would accom- 
pany them, but that they would not disclose the secret 
to others. I told them we did not come to their coun- 
try for gold, and declined their offer. Whether they 
