would
at once be rendered, and thus the risk of loss of time avoided. There
were still some sixteen or eighteen heavy pieces to be brought up; for
which our specially constructed waggons had to return. But the roads
and bridges having been put in proper repair, it was hoped that no
further extraordinary delay would occur.
Friendly aid, in the shape of the loan of waggons belonging to a
neighbouring comÂpany, was cordially promised; and before the machinery
can be really wanted for use, it will doubtless have all been safely
delivered at the mines and properly erected.
Unlike
the simplicity of the mining operations upon the South Indian property,
those upon Glen-rock appear to be attended with unusual difficulty. The
character of the ground is totally different. Instead of a bare grassy
rounded hill, as in the former, here we have a rugged, precipitous
mountainÂside, the surface of which is completely hidden by dense
jungle and overshadowing trees. But there are abundant evidences of the
extent to which this part of the property has been worked in ancient
times : a sure proof of the existence of rich auriferous reefs not far
below the surface. Deep shafts and open trenches are met with in all
directions. Ages have elapsed since last they were scenes of mining
activity; for huge trees have grown in these long since deserted works,
and often they are completely hidden by the tangled mass of underwood.
