Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/518

498 driven by the Count's orders is still distinctly visible.

The most peculiar circumstance in the Bonanza of Zăvālă is the total absence of a vein, not a vestige of which is to be seen either in the mine, or any where in its vicinity, with the exception of the little Veta de San Francisco, which is just visible at the mouth of a socabon begun by the Company at the foot of the hill upon which the mine is situated. This socabon is intended to explore the mountain immediately below the great Boveda, at the depth of about 150 varas. It must be 340 varas in length; and the expence is estimated at 60,000 dollars. But although it might not be imprudent to risk this sum, in order to investigate satisfactorily a spot productive of such immense riches, the terms of the contract are so unfavourable as to render any idea of working the mine entirely out of the question; the Company having only ten Barras, for which they were to pay 20,000 dollars as "Alimentos," to be repaid, together with all other expences, out of one half of the produce, the other half going to the Mexican proprietors. These onerous conditions determined Mr. Stokes, the present director of the Catorce Company, to give up the undertaking at once, and Zavāla is abandoned, probably for ever.

From Dolores Trompeta we proceeded along the Potrero to the mine of El Refugio, or La Luz, (it is known by both names,) denounced in 1804 by the Licenciado Gordoa. During the two first years