VENERABLE MINING INDUSTRY 
161 
EDITORIAL 
Passing a Venerable: Mining Industry 
Recent closing down of the last operating Cornish tin mine in 
England is one of the melancholy events of the ages. For a period 
of more than forty centuries these mines continuously furnished 
the chief supplies of tin for the world. Perhaps a prosperous in¬ 
dustry when the Egyptian pyramids were building, it is probable 
that the early Iberians who migrated up the west coast of Europe 
from the Mediterranean region first knew of these deposits and 
carried back the glad tidings to their civilized homeland. It may be 
that through these last mentioned adventurers tin was early made 
known to the Egyptians and that they discovered the means and the 
art of working bronze a millenium or two before the Phoenicians 
arrived upon the scene. 
In the history of civilization the discovery of tin was indeed 
revolutionary. Although bronze was long centuries getting into 
Britain, Mediterranean civilization made regular expeditions there 
after the precious tin. Phoenician ships traversed the entire 
length of the interior sea, passed through the gloomy Gates of 
Hercules, and braved the dark and stormy Atlantic in order to 
reach this farthermost limit of the ancient world — the true Ultima 
Thule. After the Phoenicians the Greeks continued for centuries 
to voyage to the Cassiderites, or Tin Islands. 
Where else in all the world may any other mining industry 
boast of such unbroken prosperity during 6000 years ? 
By the extinguishment of the Cornwall mines England loses her 
most venerable industrial institution. A most famous mining 
region is no more. As a distinct mining clan Cornishman vanishes 
from earth. What important mining district on our globe is there 
that does not know and fully appreciate the great worth of the 
Cornishman as a miner ? Where has he not acted as pit-boss, fore¬ 
man, or superintendent and not made of the enterprise a success? 
With tearful eyes we look upon his solemn passing. 
