a surface deposit will be found rich on the north side of a rise, while the south will not pay for working.
As
we proceed westward to the Glenelg, we still maintain the metalliferous
rocks, and the indication of gold are equal to the Pyre-Man, but we
have, as also in the Plenty, Yarra, and Western-port formation, the
strongest testimony of the existence of other metals ; and supposing
the theory of the formation of metals by electro-magnetic action to be
correct (which experience and observation tend to confirm), I arrive at
the conclusion that rocks in the condition to form copper, silver,
lead, zinc, and mercury are not in the condition to form gold in the
same quantity as rocks in which that condition Is wanting; and although
gold will be found in quantities, lesser or greater, throughout the
south portion of the island, the grand deposit of the region explored
will, I think, exist in the Pyrenean district. On a visit to Mount
Cole, two years since, I was on the eve of, as I considered, a grand
discovery of a gold deposit, when, overtaken by illness, I was obliged
to relinquish my labours. Such has been my fate on several occasions;
bushing it night after night is rather trying, and a field equipment
was too costly for my private funds to sustain ; but rich as Mount
Alexander has proved, I am inclined to the opinion, our riches have
yet to come, and I am satisfied when Mount Cole is explored, gold
deposits will be worked of equal, if not greater richness, extent, and
quality, to any yet opened.
The
Yarra, Plenty, Dandenong, and Western-port districts will afford
(though not so rich in gold) a field of mineral wealth unequalled in
extent by any country I have seen in the Old World, especially
interesting to the geologist, and nationally of much greater importance
than the gold districts ; but previous to any benefit being derived
therefrom, a change must come over the spirit of the Government and
the public; the gold fever must abate, labour be more abundant, and a
disposition to invest capital in large undertakings ; moreover, the
obstructive policy of the Government must be abandoned. To effect
these changes, appears at present impossible; but we have seen equal
difficulties removed in a moment, and the current year may see Victoria
exporting her copper, mercury, and nickel, as well as wool, tallow, and
gold.
Westward
we find the same indications of several metals, and on examining the
course of the Glenelg we find a mineral district inferior to none.
Here the same observations apply; gold may and
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