once was, before gold had so completely changed it —as California, Colorado, and Australia have been changed.
The
writer has seen quite enough to convince him that the South-East Wynaad
is a rich auriferous district. Time and experience will show to what
extent profitable returns may be expected; for actual results we
anxiously wait.
He
is also able to testify that vigorous operations are being carried on
upon some estates ; that tunnels are being driven, machinery erected,
roads made, bungalows, coolie lines, and stores are springing up in all
directions—the evidences of energetic determination to accomplish
whatever is to be accomplished.
Experienced
and capable skill is to be found there also: and not a little
enthusiasm amongst mining engineers, who to a man are confident, so far
as the writer has met with them. Not a single word of discouragement
did he hear throughout the whole of his stay in the country. The
croakers are not to be found amongst men who have seen the place. If we
want them we must look here in England, where it can scarcely be
believed that we have been so long in India and failed to discover the
hidden treasure. Without a shadow of doubt there is gold in plenty ;
