Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/105

Rh lumbreras, (or air shafts,) had been sunk, the aggregate depth of which was 180 yards. 1,309 yards more were driven before the 1st of February, 1827, which left only 450 yards to be completed.

The whole is regarded by the natives as a most judicious, and scientific work, which well deserves to be repaid by the success, which those acquainted with the district confidently predict.

The works of the Anglo-Mexican Company, comprise twenty mines in the district of Guănăjūātŏ alone; three in that of San Crĭstōbăl; two at Măcŏnī; five at Zĭmăpān; three at Cătōrcĕ, and six at Real del Monte. Of the Guanajuato mines, some are upon an enormous scale, as Vălĕnciānă, Mĕllādŏ, Tĕpĕyāc, Sĭrēnă, and Vĭllălpāndŏ, all of which were delivered to the Company, in February 1825, in a state of complete ruin.

When I saw them, in November 1826, the machinery, and works connected with them, had been entirely rebuilt; the drainage in Sĭrēnă, and Vĭllălpāndŏ, was nearly concluded, and in the Valenciana it was proceeding at the rate of 10,000 tons per week. Nine Haciendas de beneficio, (amalgamation works,) had been erected, and completely fitted up, with crushing-mills, and every other necessary. In most of these, the process of reducing ores was carrying on to a considerable extent: some were still idle, but the progress of the drainage in the Valenciana, and Villalpando, was expected very shortly to furnish a sufficiency of ores to bring them all into