I.
Quicksilver is introduced into the stamp boxes. Then, as the pulp
issues from the mortar, it is made to pass through troughs containing
mercury, and over amalgamated copper plates, or ripples, so as to
arrest the particles of gold on their way from the stamps.
II.
The same as above, only no mercury is used in the mortar boxes. In
these cases, all the amalgamation is performed outside the batteries,
by passing the pulp through mercury troughs and over amalgamated
plates, and other devices to gain the gold.
III.
The pulp is not allowed to come into contact with quicksilver, until it
has been concentrated up to from four to six to the hundred, by means
of blankets or skins, the fibres of which arrest the sand and metallic
particles on their way as a stream over tables or strakes, which latter
are set at an angle of one to twelve to one to sixteen, according to
circumstances. In connection with these blanket tables, I should add
that, in order to afford a final chance of recovering as large a
percentage as possible of the very finest particles that the blankets
have failed to retain, buddies are employed, so as further to
impoverize the tailings.
The
concentrates from the blankets and buddies may then be introduced, with
the necessary quantity of quicksilver, into strong barrels, which are
kept revolving from eighteen to twenty-four hours. When discharged,
the amalgam separates from the sand,
