Page:Transactions of the Geological Society, 1st series, vol. 2.djvu/167

Rh their veins were discovered to be intersected near the Great Cross vein apparently by two or three smaller cross veins, between which parts of the east and west veins have been seen; as however the Great Cross vein is known in other parts of it to divide into branches (a circumstance very common in veins of this description) it is believed that these small veins are only branches of the large one. The whole of these mines are situated in granite.

This mine is situated on a schistose hill, in the parish of Phillack, about three miles south-east of Hayle Copper-house. It had been worked previously to the year 1800, but was abandoned principally on account of the surrounding country having fallen in, and filled up or destroyed the only shaft that had been sunk. This circumstance was, most probably, the cause to which the successful working of the mine may be attributed. For, being compelled to sink another shaft, it so happened that the chosen spot was immediately above a vast body of ore which has never failed since its discovery. But as copper ore had been left at the bottom of the shaft that had fallen in, a level was carried to that place; it was however found to be a mere bunch, which circumstance, it is most probable would have deterred the miner from an effectual search after the great riches pitched upon by sinking the new shaft about 100 fathoms west of the former one.

Notwithstanding Huel Alfred is one of the richest and most