PART 1.] 
Lauoder; Mineral Statistics of Kumaon, Sfc. 
27 
Captain Garstin, in forwarding the Gurhwal returns, says (18th July, 1870) :— 
I have the honor to forward the annual statement regarding produce of mines, &c., 
in Gurhwal. 
2. Tli ere is a considerable difference between the figures now shewn and those of last 
year. This will be the case for some years to come, till the Putwarees, who have to compile 
the returns, and the miners who give'tlie information, understand better what is required. 
At present the latter suspect that there is some ulterior reason for the information being 
called for, and are therefore chary of giving it. 
3. It is quite impossible to find out to what parts of the country the metals extracted 
are sent, or in what quantities, as they are not sold at fairs, in this district: indeed there are no 
large fairs, where sales take place usually. Those wishing to purchase go themselves to the 
miners and do so, and unless some person to register sales were appointed for each mine, it is 
quite out of the question to attempt any compilation of this kind of information. 
4. Iron usually sells at 3 seers per Rupee, but if made up into vessels its price is 
2J seers. Copper sells at Re. 1-8, or Rs. 2 per seer, if made into vessels. 
5. As regards the statistics of salt, borax, and gunda-biroja since asked for by you, 
the return shews pretty nearly the quantities imported and sold and the prices prevailing. 
The latter article used to be exported In considerable quantities, but owing to the destruction 
caused to the Cheer forests in extracting it, this traffic has been put a stop to. 
6 In conclusion, I would add that for the reasons given in my 2nd paragraph, too 
much reliance must not he placed on these statistics, all they are worth is to show approxi¬ 
mately the quantities of metal, &c., produced. 
7. This return would have been sent in before, but further information was lately 
called for, which had to be collected, and hence the delay. 
