Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/455

Rh consequently, according to the quality of the Monton, which is determined by the eye.

In the amalgamation of a large Torta, the same proportions are always observed; and the mass is repeatedly worked up by men and mules, (repasadores,) in order to promote the incorporation of the silver with the mercury, which it requires six weeks in winter, and one month in summer, to effect. When the amalgamator supposes the Torta to have "rendido," i.e. to have yielded all the silver that it contains, it is washed in large vats, (Tinas,) until all the earthy particles are got rid of, when the amalgam, which remains at the bottom of the vat, is strained in leather bags until no more quicksilver can be separated from the silver by pressure. The remainder is cut into wedges, which are conveyed to the Quĕmădĕrŏ, (burning-house,) and arranged in a circular pile round a copper-plate called the Vaso, with a hole in the centre, and a receptacle for water beneath, care being taken to make the hollow left in the centre of the pile of amalgam correspond exactly with the hole in the Vaso below. The whole is then covered by a large iron bell, called Capella, or Capellina, which is strongly luted down; a wall of mud bricks is raised round it, and the intervening space filled with charcoal. The fire is kept up for twelve hours, in which time the quicksilver is sublimed, and afterwards condensed in the water, where it is subsequently collected. The pure silver (Plata quemada) is then cut again into wedges, or