MINING OPERATIONS AT GLENROCK.	27
	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 com­pany, 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 mountain­side, 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.