Year: 1859

several companies are being formed in New York and other cities, for the purpose of work ing silver mines in Arizona. We also receive many letters from persons in the States asking for information as 10 mines and mining in this region. It is proper, therefore, that we should make few suggestions for the benefit of those who contemplate engaging in silver mining that they may have some idea of what is need ed to insure success.

 lst CAPITAL-Any silver mining company that calculates 10 succeed must have, besides articles named hereafter, capital in specie, to carry on operations with expedition and with out embarrassment To form high-sounding company, with thousands in stock and only a paltry supply of cash, may do we'll enough for a few spectators, but the stockholders will seldom realize dividend, and if by any possi- bility they should it will be after years of dsap- pointment and trouble. No profitable mining can be carried along on credit There must be coin to pay expenses until the mine yields bars of silyer;- and even after that fortunate period, for the bars cannot be used as currency. Drafts are difficult to negotiate, as there is but limited an 5unt of trade and but little specie in the country. A company, therefore, without proper supply of coin, will be put to much in- convenience anl expense. Accepted drafts on well known banks in San Francisco or New York, can be sold in some parts of Sonora, but the risk of transporting the coin is very great.

 2l A MINE.-No company should start a mining expedition to Arizona, without first send ing competent agent to secure by purchase or exploration, one or more mines. It should be ascertained if the vein is worth working, and if so by what process the ore is to be reduced whether by smelling or amalgamaton. These important questions can be settled by tests and experiments easily made. Care should be used to secure a mine convenient to wood and water, and of easy access. Of course, the actual value of the mtne would be greatly influenced by its location.

 3d MACHINERY AND TooLs.--Having secured a good vein of silver ore, and raised the capita with which to work it. the company should prepare a proper outfit in the way of tools and machinery; and the most important item is q steam engine, of power proportionate to the works intended to be carried on Steam is the best and most economical power for running amalgamation barrels, stamping mills, pumps or fans. A mule power can be used, but it is uncertain and very expensive to maintain The original cost of the animals is equal to the price of an engine, while their feed, heriing driving, and their constant liability to be stolen renders the investment costly and precarious If fuel and water can be obtained within any reasonable distance it will be best to use steam The sama engine which drives the works vii also drive run ofstone for grinding corn anC wheat, which is great advantage. Beside the machinery for aualgamatinS or smeltng there should be wagons, mining tools, wind lasses, chains, ropes, besides other article which general idea of mining would suggest The agent should be instructed not only t furnish a list ofall articles required, but an oa timats of the supplies and cash needed for on year. He could derive much assistance in thi matter from the engineers and directors of com panies already at work.

 4th GooDs AND PRovIsIoNs. compau should also have goods suitable to the country with which to pay laborers and occasional