New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-04-14
Mining In North America.

The prospects or mining operaslOus III tnls
country were never more encouraging than at
the present time. The discoveries OF recent
wears. and the successful applications OF labor
saving machinery, with an increased economy OF
expenditure both in time and money, have given
an unwonted impulse to the efforts OF eaterpris.
isg capitalists and keen spectators. The futsre
gives promise Of an abundant harvest.
The Improvement in our knowledge of the geo.
logical and neurological characteristics Of the
Western Continent has added greatly to our
stores of mineral commercial wealth. The la
borious researches of the scientific men of our
own country, combined with the observations of
their contemporaries in Europe, show the vast ex-
tent and richness of the Mineral Resources Of
North America. Those who have bestowed any
attention on the subject will have remarked the
scanty information impaired by encyclopedia Pub-
locations, even CT the highest authority, regarding
the general resources Of the United States; un-
ouestionsbly owing to the limited knowledge Of
the most learned writer's upon points connected
with the mineral riches of our country. Happily,
however this paucity of information has been
done away. The remarkable discoveries OF the
past few years are events which will mark new
era in the history of the commercial world, and
will exert an influence no less vast upon the dea
TIMES of the Union. The metals Of Caliiornia, won
derfuI as they have been for extent and purity,
have evidently been but partially developed
Further discoveries will undoubtedly continue TO
starte the minds of men, and add new marves
to the long list in which that remarkable country
prvrino, siIo intrV,i-os. Of .ysEouati.ed la
Dor, aided by machinery, will increase the Of
fcency Of her boundless wealth.
But it is not in the new Pacific wonder that
men in this country will make the greatest aver
age profit upon capital and labor expended. The
attractions nearer the homes Of the mass must
prove greater incentive TO those who look for
steady gain rather than sudden and brilliant sue
cesses. There is much solid wealth in the imme
date vicinity of the thickly-peopled States which
has not been noted in the whirl of commercial
adventure and speculation. Public attention is
now being turned in these directions. The Cop
per Mines Of L axe Superior, rich in silver aud
copper, lhave been followed by new discov.
cries of copper in Connecticut, which have
already been worked with considerable success.
The Gold-Mines of Virginia-many now ones
having been opened during the year-are yield.
ing larger profits than heretofore and bid fair TO be-
come exceedingly important. The Zinc. Mines Of
New Jersey are also yielding largely and proftaby.
An English paper, speaking of the unloading OF
the Frgate st. Lawrence at Southampton, says;
The greatest curiosity was a monster block Of
Zinc ore, weighing about eight tons about sev.
enty men were employed half an hour in raising
it from the hold Of the vessel and landing it on
the quay. 1t was lifted by means of the capstan.
which was manned by ifty.two men, who were
working il in measured step to the music Of fife.
The zinc ore came from New j ersey, and is cubich
in its form, and assured about four feet in height.
The ArcAntiferous Galena of Arkansas has been
worked Sith profit, and the ore is now shipped
to Europe, in view Of the quantity Of Silver il
contains; paying good per centage despite the
cost OF transportation; Of il yields 100
ounces to the tun. In Rhode Island and Penn
sylvania, Coal is found In quantities apparently
inexhaustible, and the revenues of those States
are vastly increased. Companies have also been
formed in this City for the prosecution Of mining
operations In Cuba and New-Grensda. These
are but part Of the sources Of wealth now
opening in every direction. The value Of
property and the demand for domestic pro-
ducts increases from year to year in direct ratio
to the facilities afforded by our numerous Rail.
roads and modes Of transportation TO valuable
markets, and the activity which so peculiarly dis
tinguishes the American People conduces ma
terially to the wealth and prosperity Of the whole
country.
But we intended to speak more especially ia
relation to the Copper Mines on Lake Superior,
and the advices received this Spring Of the Latest
results of the operations in ths. locality. The
Cliff Mine has some fine masses in sight and
never looked so well as now. 1t will probably
ship 200 tuns Of mineral to market this year, 30
per cent. Of which is pure Copper. One In
mense mass has recently been discovered'
n consequence Of which the stock has In
creased from s9J to sll5 per share. The " NORM
American" looks well, and will send consider
able amount TO market. In the North "e"
ern,' avein four feet wide and very rich' o"
been struck and is now being worked. IL prom
SEES TO be as valuable as the Cliff. The NORM
West looks as favorable as any mine In ID" u'
trict. The Aztec Mine has no force a. ~ofA
This location is perforated with ancient diSSlOS'
Tor the extent Of upward Of mile, and whe'c'''
the earth has been removed, rich masses oil OOP'
per have been found, apparently in large Az"
ties. When a sufficient force is put on Is 70
lieved that the aztec" will prove one OIL 'n'
most productive mines on the Ontonagon IoS
Norwich, Fores. and Ohio are generally ImPr0''