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Curiosities Respecting Mines (II)

Diamond Mine in the Brazils-Mines of Peru-Volcanic Eruptions of Mud and Salt- Pitch Wells-Visit to a Coal- Pit.

Through dark retreats pursue the winding ore, Search Nature's depths, and view her boundless store; her boundless store; The secret cause in tuneful numbers sing, How metals first were fram'd, and whence they spring Whether the active sun, with chemic flames, Through porous earth transmits its genial beams; genial beams; With heat impregnating the womb of night, The offspring shines with its paternal light: :

Or whether, urged by subterraneous flames , The earth ferments, and flows in liquid streams in liquid streams Purg'd from their dross, the nobler parts refine, , Receive new forms, and with fresh beauties shine: fresh beauties shine:

Or whether by creation first they sprung, When yet unpois'd the world's great fabric hung: great fabric hung:

Metals the basis of the earth were made, The bars on which its fix'd foundations laid; All second causes they disdain to own, And from th' Almighty's fiat sprung alone. sprung alone.

Yalden.

Description of a DIAMOND MINE on the river Tigitonhonha, in the Brazilian territory; by Mr.

Mawe. "I could not (says the writer) resist the favourable opportunity now offered me of gratifying the curiosity which had so long occupied my mind, by visiting the diamond mines, in company with the principal officer in the administration of them, who was therefore qualified to furnish me with the amplest information. A fine horse was waiting for me at the door, and I rode up to the house of the governor, who introduced me to his amiable lady, daughters, and family, with whom I had the honour to take breakfast. Several officers of the diamond establishment arrived on horseback to accom> pany us, their presence being required on this occasion. "Having arrived at the place, I remained here five days, during which I was occupied in viewing and examining various parts of the works, of which I shall here attempt to give a general description. "The river Tigitonhonha is formed by a number of streams, and is as wide as the Thames at Windsor, and in general from three to nine feet deep. The part now in working is a curve or elbow, from which the current is diverted into a canal cut across the tongue of land round which it winds, the river