LEAD MINES &c.— BOOK II. 
153 
the most noted of those near Belle Fontaine. In the course of 
the year before last, little short of one million lbs. of lead were 
smelted here. A considerable quantity is still made, and the ap¬ 
pearance of the diggings are flattering, and, but for the disper¬ 
sion of the miners to other places, might be worked as profitably 
as any others. They are situated within a short distance of Big 
river: and about twenty-five miles from Herculaneum. 
Bryan’s Diggings, a few miles east of Big river. It is about 
eighteen months since these were discovered; but there has 
been more lead made than at any other place of the district, in 
the course of the present year. They are situated twenty-five 
miles from St. Genevieve, and twenty from Herculaneum. 
Richwood Mines , are situated about twenty miles N- E. of 
the Mine a Burton; they are said to be productive. 
Mine a Joe , on Big river, higher up than Bryan’s Diggings, 
and somewhat further from St. Genevieve. Only a few hands 
have been employed here during the present season. 
Mine a la Matte , four miles from the St. Francis, and on a 
small stream which falls into that river; it is one of the oldest, 
and has been constantly wrought for many years, and produces a 
considerable quantity even on the present mode of mining—. 
The distance is about thirty miles from St. Genevieve. There is 
a handsome little village ; the inhabitants sober and industrious. 
Perry’s Diggings , Mine Liberty , Fourche Courtois, are new 
discoveries. There are also some others of less note. 
The Big river, Terre Bleu, and the Mineral Fork, are con¬ 
sidered streams which meander through the mine tract. Big 
fiver is long, but extremely crooked ; in length it falls little short 
of two hundred .miles, from its source to where It discharges it¬ 
self into the Marapnek: and may be ascended upwards of sixty 
miles in periogues. There are extensive bodies of fine land in 
its neighborhood, both bottom and upland. The mine tract ge¬ 
nerally, a thing somewhat unusual in mineral countries, is well 
adapted to agriculture. No country can be more plentifully wa¬ 
tered, possessing in great abundance the most delightful foun¬ 
tains and rivulets. 
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