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56 DIAMONDS.
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That
the ancient miners possessed and acted on a kind of rule-of-thumb
knowledge of the characteristics of the diamond-bearing strata in
different tracts respectively, is almost certain; but that they
applied such knowledge inductively to distant tracts is extremely
doubtful. The probability is that in each neighbourhood operations
were commenced in consequence of chance discoveries.
The following is a recent example culled from a newspaper:—
Discovery of a Diamond.—The
Collector of Karnul reported on the 17th December last, for the
information of the Revenue Board, the discovery of a large raw diamond
by one Mala Nagi of Karnul, one of the coolies employed in excavating
earth in B. Class land of the Irrigation and Canal Company in
Jaharapuram near Karnul. The diamond weighs 44 grains, and is said to
have been purchased by Amboji, a merchant of Karnul, for Rs. 116. The
real value is, of course, much higher, probably not less than Rs.
1,000. There are no diamond mines in Jaharapuram.
Prospecting
far and wide, we may be sure, was never undertaken by natives, and it
is doubtful whether there was any intercourse or communication between
the workers at distant localities.
With
scientific guidance, backed by capital and proper mining appliances, it
may appear at first sight that mining by Europeans ought to succeed,
but, from what has already been said in reference to Bandel-khand, it
will be gathered that there are in diamond mining certain peculiarities
which distinguish it from most if not all other forms of commercial
enterprise. The facilities for peculation, in consequence of the
readiness with which the gem may be conveyed, is of
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