2. The earthy portion, from which all the gold which can be separated by panning, is now removed, passes into the centre of the column of water in the submerged Chilian mill, where it is re-crushed under water, so as to liberate the finer particles of gold from the earth, and the whole being suspended in the high column of water, by the agitation of the wheels, the earthy portion passes off when ground sufficiently fine, while the gold falls to the bottom of the mill, by virtue of its greater specific gravity, and is saved in the form of very rich or highly concentrated ore, from which the gold may then be profitably separated by smelting.

3. The fine earth which passes from the mill is again suspended in another column of water, and the finest particles of dirty gold which are thus separated by specific gravity, are cleaned by the double action of the paddlewheels, and then collected by amalgamation with the mercury, which is also cleaned at the same time, in such a manner as to prevent loss of mercury or the gold

This apparatus is not heavy enough for crushing quartz, and was not designed for that purpose. But it is particularly adapted for separating gold from the sulphurets, and this is the portion usually lost by the use of other apparatus. For these reasons, the crude ore should be previously crushed as fine as possible, by larger and more powerful apparatus; then concentrated in such a manner as to leave the sulphurets and wash away the quartz. The sulphurets which retain the precious metal are then to be supplied to this apparatus for separating the gold. By this process a large amount of ore or tailings may be worked daily, because the bulk of the rich sulphurets is small, compared with that of the quartz. If, therefore, twenty tons of the powdered ore, or tailings from other apparatus, contain but one or two tons of sulphurets, the gold from twenty tons of it may be daily saved by this invention.

MONSTER NUGGETS FOUND IN VICTORIA.

1. A pure nugget weighing 336 oz., called the Dascombe Nugget, from Bendigo. This nugget was shown to Her Majesty by Messrs. Herring, of London, to whom it was sent by Mr. Joseph Herring, gold broker, Melbourne. -May 31, 1852.

2. A pure nugget, weighing 340 oz., from Bendigo.-Sept. 18, 1852.

3. Monster nugget, or bar (from its shape), of gold, dug up within ten yards of where No. 1 was found, weighing 564 oz. The fortunate finders were from Adelaide. It was about 2 ft. long and 5 in. broad, entirely free from quartz, and shaped somewhat like a twisted or French loaf.-Oct. 16, 1852.

4. A lump of gold and quartz, weighing 1620 oz., found at Ballarat; was taken home in the steamer Sarah Sands by the finders, who came out in the Great Britain about ten weeks previously.-Feb. 5, 1853.

5. An 84 lbs. or 1008 oz. nugget, found at Fryer's Creek; shipped per Lightning in April, 1855.-April 7, 1855.

6. Nugget weighing 40 lbs. or 480 oz., found at Ballarat; shipped in Red Jacket, May, 1855.-April 7, 1855.

7. Nugget weighing 48 lbs. or 576 oz. found at Ballarat and shipped in Red Jacket, May, 1855.-April 28, 1855.

8. Splendid quartz specimen, weighing 24 lbs. or 288 oz. from Mount Blackwood; shipped in the Red Jacket, May, 1855.-April 28, 1855.

9. A nugget, weighing 88 lbs. 4 oz. or 1060 oz., found at Maryboro', or Simson's Ranges. This was melted into ingots, and turned out a losing speculation for the purchasers.-June 23, 1855.

10. A nugget, weighing 760 ozs., found near Old Daisy Hill; still in Melbourne.-Oct. 27, 1855.

JOURNAL OF COPPER MINING OPERATIONS.

LAKE SUPERIOR REGION.

The reports from the Lake Superior Region are generally of the most favorable character. The position of many of the mines is such that their intrinsic value will be more positively demonstrated this year than ever before. From recent numbers of the Lake Superior Journal and other sources we obtain the following facts:

The increased facilities for obtaining supplies, shipping the copper, and the experience already attained in "mining" are rapidly establishing this business upon the same basis of certainty which characterizes manufacturing and other pursuits. It is a business which requires experience and thorough investigation to be calculated with certainty.

This position is gradually being attained from year to year, as the mines are opened and developed, and the day is not far distant, when mining operations will be looked upon in the same light as mercantile or commercial business, and attended with no more risk or uncertainty than these. Experience will teach the miners how and where to expend their labor most profitably, and thus avoid all unnecessary expenditure, which now consumes the product, and sometimes more, of the mines. These facts in connection with the good reports from the mines leave no room for doubt as to the final issue.

The Central Mine will ship about 40 tons of copper this season, which, as their expenses are not heavy at the present time, will somewhat more than pay the current expenses of the mine. In the estimation of persons of competent judgment, the prospects of this mine are very flattering, and should present appearances continue, the stock of this Company will pay good dividends ere long.

The Isle Royal raised and shipped 203 tons during the nine months preceding August 1st, but the amount raised during June and July was something less than the estimates and expectation.

The Rockland is in the ascendant, and it is confidently expected that it will equal the Minnesota in a comparatively short time. Our latest report from the Garden City are of the most encouraging character, the "ash-bed" yielding richly in stamp work. We understand that on account of some legal difficulty, the operations at the Ohio location have been suspended, although the show of copper is excellent.

We learn from a gentleman just from the North American mine that it is doing remarkably well, having reached the "paying point." There are now employed at this mine 180 men, 96 of whom are miners, who are now getting out about 30 tons a month of stamp work and masses. They have shipped since the 1st of January last, 579 tons, and expect to ship in all the present season 324 tons. The same gentleman informs us that the Cliff continues to work well, and will probably ship 1500 tons this year.

At the Mass Mine they have lately uncovered a lode lying to the north of their main vein which shows remarkably well for regularity, and which we regard as a new feature of great value to the location.

We gather from the "Report of Chas. T. Harvey, Esq.," the following facts in relation to the Norwich Mine.

The first object of interest in proceeding to the Mines are "road facilities.” In preceding years a road had been constructed from the Mine to the Ontonagon River at a point called the American Landing, distance ten and one-half miles, at a cost to your company, including a joint interest in the Landing Dock Warehouse, &c., of some $6,500. But little outlay is required (this sea

son) to keep it in suitable repair for the land carriage of copper and supplies which are transported from Ontonagon to the Landing in flat-boats, a distance of some twelve miles.

On arriving at the mine, the first features noticed were the "Surface Improvements." Unfortunately the Company lost the stamp-house and saw-mill by fire, on the 13th of April last, caused by a spark from the engine chimney igniting the roof.

It seemed evident from a view of the premises that it was expedient to rebuild the stamps without delay; and on receipt of advices from the Board on the subject, the Superintendent took energetic measures to replace them in the shortest time; and they will be ready for use about the first of September, probably. The engine boilers and most of the iron shafting, &c., of the old stamps will be re-used in the new, having received but little injury. Besides this building notice was taken of the appropriate dwelling house for the agent, a good log-house for boarding the miners; a convenient barn, kiln-house shops, store-houses, &c.

The interior of the mine was next very closely examined. The general plan for its extension has, of course, been adopted in former years, and is now in the main adhered to; but at present good ventilation is secured in the main sections of the mine, and the vein approached so far in advance of its removal by "stoping," by means of adits, shafts and levels, that the miners can now be kept more in " productive work" than at any previous season since its commencement. This was not the case, but precisely the reverse during the past year, owing to the special efforts made to realize copper during the crisis in mining affairs in the winter of 1854-5. This circumstance should be borne in mind in contemplating the reduced products of the mine in 1855, and is a strong reason to hope better things for 1856.

The Norwich Mine has been worked up to this time without any other than horse elevating power-longer probably than any other of the same promises on the mineral range.

The lower level of the mine is 140 feet below the adit, and 350 feet below the present horse power, and the necessity for steam power is now imperative. With the approbation of the undersigned, Mr. Davis, superintendent, concluded to purchase a twenty-five horse power engine and boilers, newly made, then for sale at Ontonagon, and costing, with the gearing for a saw-mill, about $3,000. This will, it is believed, be in operation at the mine by the middle of August, at a cost of some $4,000, and will be all the steam power required until the mine shall have doubled or trebled its product. The constructive features of the adits, levels and shafts are in the main good; and from the inspection of all the prominent mines, it can be asserted, that for convenience and economy of the mineral obtained from the mine, in kilns, stamps, &c., the arrangement and position of the Norwich mine is not surpassed by any in the Lake Superior District.

The product for the month of April, 1856, was 12 tons of masses, besides the stamp-work after loss of stamp-house.

The stamps' product per month, Mr. Davis, "from reliable data," estimates at 4 tons per month for the last three months.

It may be remarked in reference to the above figures, that in 1854 only 20 miners were at work on an average, as this mine was crippled for supplies and means. In 1855, during the panic in mining affairs, the mine was worked with a view of getting out the greatest possible quantity of copper in the shortest time, and at the least expense practicable, hence good policy re

quired more unproductive labor in the ensuing season to open the mine properly for continuous working.

At this date, the mine is brought up (in the opinion of those in charge) to a proper stage of "advanced opening," and was never in better condition than at present. It is also the general opinion of examiners, that the vein never looked more promising than at present.

Masses are seen in sight at Stope No. 2, 4th level; Stope No. 5, 4th level; Stope No. 2, 3d level; Numbers 3, 6 and 7, 3d level.

The undersigned examined particularly the lode as it appeared in the bottom of 5th level, and can testify that it was extremely rich in barrel and stamp copper. This portion of the mine must wait for the steam power to enable its further progress.

In view of the above facts, the undersigned will be disappointed if the mine does not exhibit this season a material increase over the product of any former year. It is not unreasonable to hope for a yield of say 200 tons (including the product of the stamp, estimated at 50 tons), in the year 1856-57. From the best information at hand the expense of carrying on the mine will be defrayed by the sale of 180 tons, at present market price.

The local management of the mine is under the control of A. C. DAVIS, Esq., Superintendent; and the undersigned takes pleasure in bearing testimony to the order maintained in, and economical administration of the affairs of the company by Mr. Davis, so far as his observation extends. He was the discoverer of the location, and has been its pioneer up to the present date, having devoted his time and energies for the last ten years in its development, and has met aud surmounted difficulties and dangers in that period, which it is difficult for those at a distance, and of a "settled country " to realize.

The Superintendent mentioned approvingly of the services rendered to the company by Mr. C. SHERWIN, as Clerk, G. HARDY, Mining Captain, A. C. FRAZIER, Machinist & Engineer.

The conclusions the undersigned would draw from the above facts relative to the mine, are, that the Norwich is among the most promising of non-divided paying mines; and that instead of feeling depressed by the past, the stockholders should feel encouraged for the future: and that the mine should be sustained and worked during the present year, with all the force and energy which a wise administration of available resources will permit.

NATIONAL MINE.

At the National they have been steadily opening the lower parts of the mine. The lower adit, No. 3, has been communicated throughout, laid with tram-way, and is now the principal thoroughfare for the underground business of the mine. The advantages which this affords them is very great. The great trouble and expense of hoisting to the surface is avoided, as the stuff after being thrown down is taken out through the adit on cars drawn by animals. Shaft No. 2, which is the most western, is sunk to a fourth level, and they have driven eastward some distance toward No. 1, which is also about down to the same level. They intend to drive that level at four points from the two shafts immediately, until the connection between the two shafts is made, when they will continue driving east and west. Adits No. 2 and 3 will also be continually extended east. So that it will be seen that they are pushing on their opening with great rapidity by going east and deepening the mine. They have already opened new ground enough to give room for about 30 additional miners, who will soon be at work taking down the vein. As soon as their fourth level is connected between the shafts, a further increase of force can be made. These will, of course, add very greatly to the copper product of the mine.

The new openings thus far fully sustain the character of the lode for bearing copper. They have stoped a little in the back of No. 3 adit, west of No. 1 stope and have found the ground very productive. The courses of copper seem to dip to the west about 20 feet in each lift.

There is room on the buff for a fourth adit, about 145 feet, or two lifts, below the present No. 3. It would go in at the surface about 650 feet to the west of the mouth of No. 3.-The valuable facilities afforded by this system of working the mine, as illustrated by their present openings, will probably induce the company to undertake the driving of this before long. The National will soon have a great amount of ground ready for stoping, and her product for another year will shown a great increase upon her past production.

MINNESOTA.

The Minnesota has at present more copper in sight than we have ever seen in any previous visit to that mine. The amount of pure native mineral now exhibited there is truly astonishing. Without stopping to consider points of ground which in other mines would be considered rich, we will at present very briefly call attention to the position of some of those immense things which require the labor of large parties of men for months to exploit.

In the counter-lode running between the south and conglomerate veins, which we noticed more in detail some months ago, they are still tearing off great masses about the adit level. This singular formation, in some of the levels might almost be said to be a continuous sheet of copper extending from lode to lode, and is likely to afford almost enough copper in itself to make a good mine.

In the back of the 20 fathom level, near the No. 7 shaft, and in the back of the 10 level, between shafts 5 and 8 (on the conglomerate load), there are great masses of undetermined limits. At the latter point is what the Cornishmen call "a great boil of a thing"-a huge, shapeless, snaggy mass, resembling in appearance the copper in the Cliff mine. It is stripped for a great extent. One sand blast of 20 kegs of powder was fired under it without starting it in the least from its position.

Several large masses have been disclosed in the 20 fathom level, about sixty feet east of No. 4 shaft. This ground came near escaping the attention of the miners. They drove by it on a good foot wall which at first was supposed to be the limit of the vein, but through which little horns of copper were observed projecting. The great number of these attracted attention, and they determined to break through the foot wall, when it appeared that they belonged to the conglomerate vein, and led at once to great masses of copper in that formation.

In the fifty fathom level, east of No. 4, which is below the junction of the two lodes, the openings have exposed very large masses going up and down.

One of the most favorable and auspicious indications at present to be observed in this mine is disclosed by the new openings at the extreme eastern part of the undeground works. For a considerable time their drifts in that direction went through dead and unproductive gound. But within the last few weeks they have again struck the copper-bearing belts, and are now opening ground which promises to be of the usual richness.

The openings of the mine have been kept well ahead of the stoping parties. In truth they now have room for many more men to work than their present machinery will accommodate. They are about procuring a third hoisting engine, which, when in action, will add materially to the product of the mine. The Minnesota raised during the month of June 303,123 lbs. of copper; and the Rockland, 40,395 lbs. during the same month.

The stockholders and friends of the latter, may safely look for an crease of production for the present month.

ROCKLAND MINE.

The Rockland now have quite a mine opened, and henceforth will probably turn out a greatly increased amount of copper. They have very fine masses, some 270 feet east of No. 3, and east of No. 4 shafts, in adit level. No. 5 shaft which is the first one worked on the conglomerate lode, is already sunk con