lifted
from the 700-foot level, a distance of 840 feet through the inclined
shaft. The total amount of blue ground hoisted during the fiscal year
from April 1, 1889, to March 31, 1890, was 1,355,089 loads, aggregating
1,084,071 tons of 2000 pounds. This remarkable record was made under
unfavorable conditions, because the hoisting engine was small,
nominally of 70 horse-power, and not designed for such rapid service.
With the construction of new shafts and the setting up of
engines and fittings of the
best and latest designs, the
efficiency of operation was
greatly increased. Two types
of winding engines have been
erected, and it is interesting
to follow the changes which
have been made in this portion of the plant. The first
large engine erected by the
De Beers Company was the
one at De Beers rock shaft.
Its cylinders were 24 inches
in diameter, with a stroke of
5 feet. It had two drums,
each 4 feet 4-1/2 inches in width
and 10 feet 6 inches in diam-
