New-York daily tribune., 1856-05-01
THE MINES.

The following summary OF mining operations ia from
The Mining Journal paper recently started at Grass
Valley and devoted its name indicates, exclusively
to the mining interest:
PLACER MIHING.-The season thus far has been pc.
cuarly unfavorable for mining operations. The early
Fall rains much later than usual and they were
immediately followed by period of extreme cold
weather 20 that what little water fell was rapidly cor
smoss entirely useless for some two months
The constant ihawiBg and freezing of the earth alter
mating between day and night, caused an immense
amouDt of eyaporation, 20 much to be sensibly
perceived in all the rivers throughout the upper portion
of the State.
The rains Immediately subsequent very slight,
and during the month of February and thus far in
March we have had an almost continuous drouth.
Many have looked with much confidence to the occur
renee of the venal equinox as the PERIOD waen our de
writing this interesting incident has passed some SIX
days and the bright sky above and balmy air around
bctoken anything but rein. The temperature curing
the day Of the equinox was the highest experienced
since the incoming of the year. sun, Notwithstanding
the present unavorable appearances we are not en-
tirey without hope The record OF last year shows
succession of fourteen clear days next preceding the
Goth Of March, and yet had ram the last three DAYS
of that month and also near four and hall inches IN
| April following continuance OF the present dry
weather for short time longer must woik incacuaoie
| damage to all clssses Of the community.
Notwithstanding the uDfavorable circumstances
above enumerated, it seems to be the general impress
son in all parts Of the State and the conclusion also
warranted by the shipments Of treasure that the mines
will Weld fully as much the present year a. they did
the past or any previous one. True our shipmonu
sre somewhat smaller than formerly but we are aeou-
| mulatipg more capital at home. There now lees
money from abroad seeking employment here than
| formerly and our citizens are consequently thrown
more upon their own resources Tor home M
IL In TO such causes rather than to falling Oh 10 the
| Weld of the mines that to attribute the de-
| crease in the shipments OF treasure
There now is and for two years past has been,
much complaint among large class of our population
| boat locl of pmD
| formed persons has generally been attributed to
| giving out of the mines. Nothing could be further
| from the truth than the conclusion thus drawn; Dy
the recent improvements which have been introduced
| into mining operations large amount OF mSnual
labor las been dispensed with. -Four OF hve men WIZ
| now do more work with hydraulic hose than hty
| men could do formerly with the appliances then Ill
vogue A lack of water has always been great
drawback TO mining operations everywhere out Oh tDe
rivers and yet with the present appliances, one nsn
will require much water as would iGrhefy suiaco
for six or eight These facts will readily account Tor
the decreased demand for labor, without at all LOOKING
to any appreciabe diminuton In either the extent or
| yield of the mines
| As a general thing there appears to be much bet
ter feeling among miners than formerly. They are
more contented possess less OF propensity 10 rove
have more confidence in the permanenee Of the busI,
ness and, a consequence are constructing good aud
comfortable dwellings, and providing themselves with
of the comforts and luxuries OF ie. The busi-
ness hss been reduced TO system, and is now gov
eTned by the rules and regulations which direct
and systematize other departments of manual labor.
MANY are surrounded with their families and possess
most of the little home comforts and associations which
make happy the aborers heart Tighten his daily tolls,
and give energy and efficiency to all bis efforts.
The SOUTHERN MIsEs.-The recent rains although
not ADEQUATE TO Teet the demands of the mining in
trst throughout the State yet its influence mani-
fest in very many mining locations, and its results are
being recorded by our interior exchanges The 20
lrpjin Ga-ttte thus encouragingy speaks OF the
| Columbia mines:
| "During the past week the mining accounts ABOUT
us have been most cheering. The supply OF water has
been abundant and although the Tuoioumne SoIi
| pary have been delivering q stream equai to!an ou
State canal, quite as large volume hss been run
| nirg their dam.
Our miners wear a happy look, for the real article
coming ont beautifully to them. We cannot too sensi'
by feel the blessings of water TO a mining district or
too freely acknowledge obligations TO those who
have brought it here. But for the spirited enterprise
| of the Tuolumne Water Company, in enlargng then
| ditch last Summer should have had only halt the
quantity that has been running in here the past lew
| months
Mr. w. q. Sleeper purchased at his banking house
Yesterday l73 ounces Of dust, valued at 81 ESQ., This
! was taken out ofMr Cladwels claim, at Shaws Fli
Mr.. Sleeper also purchased a fine specimen OF pure
| Il ~-.;oS;ny ~ oppca, This piece wAs taken out