The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1889-12-06
HOME OF THE DIAMOND,
FAMOUS FIELDS AND MINES IN SOUTH
AMERICA AND AFRICA.

How the Precious Stones Were First Dis.
Notwithstanding the Stomachs Of
Slaughtered AnimaIs-valuable Gems
Which Were Bought for Small Sums.
Diamonds were first found in India,
and at one time the mines near Golconda
were very productive Of stones of great
size and brilliancy. Asia controlled the
diamond markets for years, and only
lost its hold when, early in the eigh-
teenth century, some natives of Brazil
were found playing at cards. They were
using stones for counters, and these stones
were rough, but very valuable, diamonds.
This was in the province of Mina3 Geraes,
in which mines were worked as early as
172O, and where diamonds are still
found.
When the news Of the first discovery
spread there was rush of fortune hunt
ers to Brazil, and gems were hunted in
very singular style. Every bird that
came within range was shot, and the
contents of its craw inspected with
greedy eagerness and often with great
success. Small diamonds were also oc-
casionally found in the stomachs of
slaughtered animals, and this led to q
careful overhauling of every carcass.
On one occasion a gem of seven carats
was found in the tangled locks of negro
slave. Scores of slaves had their wool
shaved off at once, but no diamonds
were found by the BARRIERS.
While the ignorant were hunting In
this irregular manner and trusting to
chance the more experienced were dig
ging mines. The best diamonds were
found near the surface, and only ten or
twelve feet of soil was removed. The
soil was of the usual diamond indicating
nature. 1t was piled in small heaps by
the side of a natural or artificial stream,
and washed in long troughs by slaves.
The overseers occupied seats on elevated
ground or on stands erected for the pur-
pose, and were able to watch the washers
very closely.
The slaves washed with great care, for
the finding of diamond of eighteen OK
more carats was rewarded with freedom,
and many hundred slaves were lucky
enough to secure their papers in this
manner. In 1854 the Bahia mines were
discovered, and more recently diamonds
have been found in many other provinces
OF Brazil. In some years the value of the
gems exported has exceeded $4,000, 900;
OF recent years, however, the output has
not been SO heavy. At first Brazilian
diamonds were not popular in Europe,
and there was an idea that they were off
in brilliancy and generally inferior to the
Asiatic article. But this was evidently
mere prejudice, for some of the South
American gems have world wide repu-
tation. The "Star of the South" an ir-
regular dodecahedron, weighed 1874 carats
when cut, and an octahedron, found in
the same mine, weighed nearly as much.
The great diamond fields of today are
in South Africa, where the production
has been SO great as to cause apprehen-
sions as to the maintenance of prices.
In 1867 John O'Reilly, while travelling in
the Transvaal, ate dinner at the house Of
settler named Nelkirk. On the table
there was collection of Orange river
stones, and O'Reilly selected one which
he believed to be a diamond, and asked
if he might take it. He was referred to
its owner, bushman named Jacobs, who
parted with it without moments con-
sideration. Mr.. O'Reilly sent the stone
to DR.. Atherstone, of Graham Town, and
received So, 500 for it. The gem weighed
21f carats, and waso on view at the Paris
exhibition. O'Reilly and Acting Civil
Commissioner Boyes used the 81, 500 as
working capital, and commenced pros
pecting tour after diamonds.
Others Joined them, but for over two
years their efforts were unsuccessful,
and they were unable to find any dia-
mondiferous earth. But in 1869 Mr..
Nelkirk traded about $4,000 worth of
cattle for the famous "Star of South
Africa" diamond, which had been found
by Hottentot. The trade proved an
excellent one, for the wonderful dia-
mond was speedily sold by its new
owner for S50, 900, or about 40 per cent.
of its value. The "Star" weighed 93&
carats in the rough and 461 carats when
cut. 1t formed the most striking feat
ure of the Countess of Dudley's famous
collection of jewels. During the year
1870 the rush to the Transvaal COM
Fully 10000 miners deserted
California and Australia for South
Africa, and huge mining camps were
in likely and unlikely spots.
Few of the newcomers were experts in
or diamond seeking, and for
time results were far from encouraging.
The Orange River Valley was exam
ined by prospecting parties and finally
Then there was a rush up
the Veal river to where the town Of
Barkly now stands. Here was the center
of the rich diamond district, and for
tunes were speedily made by some Of
the pioneers. The usual drawbacks of
mining camps-fever, famine and hos
tile natives-beset the miners and many
perished. The nearest town was at Port
over 500 miles distant. 1t
cost $3.50 for team hire and provisions,
and large numbers who were without
funds started on foot, only to perish by
the way. The conveyances were heavy
wagons, very stoutly built and without
springs. Not less than eight span of
bullocks had to be hitched to each wagon,
which had to be dragged over rocks,
across rivers and through forests, jerk
ing the riders off their seats and destroy
ing the baggage. Explosives could not
De hauled, owing to the conclusion.
The road now is easier to travel, and
railroad has been built along it, the re-
suit being many more luxuries and COM
forts for the miners; but in the 70's the
miners life was a hazardous one, and
although several got rich, many more