SKETCH OF THE PROCESS OF MINING AND THE 
ECONOMY OF THE MINES. 
The process of mining on BanM is very simple : it consists in the 
formation of a pit or excavation of a square or oblong form, perfo¬ 
rating the ground perpendicularly to the beds or strata containing 
the ore of Tin, which are rarely far below the surface, and in a 
proper application of the water to facilitate the different labours of 
the mines and the washing of the ore. The miners are not oblig¬ 
ed, as in other countries, where the metals are concealed in deep 
veins to employ difficult operations or expensive machinery. The 
process requires little previous instruction and is mostly attempted by 
persons whose only qualification is a robust constitution : and the more 
aged and experienced miners direct the labours of the beginners. 
The beds are generally extensive and horizontal: when they have 
once been perforated, we observe the miners carrying on pits in 
succession from the same surface, and following their direction until 
the work is abandoned in consequence of the exhaustion of the ore, 
a greater inclination and depth than ordinary, or a deficient supply 
of water. Thus in travelling through the country, surfaces of seve¬ 
ral square miles are observed which have been turned up by the pro¬ 
cess of mining. It may be pertinent to remark here that this con¬ 
stitution of the mines on the island explains in a great degree the 
deficiency which is observed in the supplies of late years : the beds 
are often very extensive and rich but not deep, and in many of the 
districts which formerly yielded annually 10,000 Ingots, scarcely 
one fifth part of that number can now be obtained. 
To direct the miners in attempting a new work, they examine the 
ground in the usual manner by boring : but the indications afforded 
by this means are not infallible, and many spots, which yield the 
most sanguine expectations, are finally abandoned in consequence of 
the unequal distribution of the ore through the strata. Having se¬ 
lected a situation with favorable indications the Chinese on Banka 
are apt to indulge considerably in adventure ; and the former system 
of administration, during the sovereignty of Plembfing, by granting 
advances in the various necessaries of life, without much regard to 
economy, has rather encouraged this disposition. 
The surface of Bfinka is in general undulating, the beds of ore are 
often found in the vallies, and in many cases are accompanied by a 
