The Nevada Democrat., 1858-01-13
The Mines of Siberia.

From letter written by Maj. Collins to the
Government at Washington aud published in
the Washington Union, dated ut lrkoutsk, we
extract the following in relation to the mines of
! Siberia
At Ecatherineburg remained two days. This
! is the centre aud capital of mining operations
! in the Ural mountains. 1t is beautiful and
well.bult city, and takes one by surprise, per-
ched as it is on the pinnacle, and in the very
heart of the mountains, half European, half Ash
attic. The produce of the mountains (gOld) is
said to be five millions, and the variety Of min
erals precious stones and marbles. is truly won
derful. The Government has mint for copper
and other works for iron, marble and precious
stones Tumen was the Eext point of interest :
here is gathered the eastern Siberian trade, i'm
port and export-one descending from, the 9th
er resting TO gather strength to cross the Ural
from Asia to Europe. Tobolsk formerly enjoy
ed this commerce, but Tumen being more di-
rect. has superseded it, Thence by 0mask,
which is q well-built city, / reached Tomusk,
where rested to observe the opening Of the
annual fair. This is quite an important point,
and seems to command an extensive trade; be-
tween this and Orusk | commenced to meet
trains of sleds loaded with tea, from Kyachta.
Tomusk issone of the great halting places for
these trains, and where the tea is discharged
and taken up by other trains; the trains that
bring the tea returning with other mercandise.
/ saw in the open streets piles of tea being re-
loaded on its way 10 Mini Novogorod. The
amount and variety of merchandise displayed
here was quite astonishing and with frost at
3Os of Reaumur, business was brisk as possible.
From this on to CTasnOyarsk the number Of tea
and other trains increases and to say that
saw one thousand sleds in days travel would
be Within the mark. AT CrasnUyarsk / rested
to learn something OF mining operations in that
region. This place is the emporium or capital
Of very extensive gold mining region, on the
Jenesai The "placers" Immediately in the vi
oinity are somewhat exhausted; but to the north
for 700 versts, and in other directions, there
are extensive and rich mines. New discoveries
are also being made, as the country is more care
fully explored for which the natives are en-
ployed in the summer.
While speaking Of gold, | will state some
facts learned here Irkoutsk). | saw one miner
who employed 1900 men in "placer diggngs"
1000 versts to the northeast of this place, on a
stream that falls into the Lena. His mines pro-
duced last year $50 p0ods Of gold, which, at 36
Of our pounds to the pood. gives 5406 pounds !
estimating the value OF a pound OF gold (rough-
iy) at 5000, will give 81 100000, or 5000 TO the
hand; and owing to the severity OF the climate,
but five months in the year can be employed in
labor. Another establishment of 1000 hands
yielded $82S to the hand. This certainly will
compare favorably with the mines Of California.
I have seen samples and specimens of the gold
and sand, which closely resemble those found
in California. In fact, from all | can gather,
certain sections of this vast country are won
derfuly rich in gold, aud as all that is dug has
to pass through the Government Mint, the
amount obtained remains unknown to the pub
lie.