of massive stone steps that have been used for ages, as in Guanajuato, or on a series of ladders, as at Zacatecas.
Peons pick the ore over by hand at the surface and separate the gangue with small hammers. The ore is then carried to the reducing-mills on mule-back.
Most of the mines and mills are inclosed by high walls, and the peons are searched before being allowed to leave. It is very common to conceal valuable fragments of gold or silver-bearing rock in the clothing, or in the hair, or under the arms, of the miners. (See chapter on Guanajuato in Section V.) The argentiferous ores of Mexico have been worked by the patio, or cold amalgamation process, for about three centuries. Mule-power is used almost entirely in the haciendas de beneficios or reducing mills.[1] (Vide chapter on Guanajuato, in Section V, Part Second, for a description of the patio process. )
Mines in Mexico belong to individuals and not to the Government. If abandoned, however, they revert to the State. In order to hold a mine, the owner is required to work it during four months of the year. Should the proprietor neglect to observe this law, the property is "denounced," i. e., escheats to the State, and it is soon advertised for sale. Sometimes valuable mines can be purchased for a mere song at a Government sale.
Foreigners intending to invest in Mexican mines should employ a competent mining engineer to examine them, and should also exercise extreme caution in dealing with the owners, as Mexicans will not dispose of mining property unless they can make a very good bargain. At present very few mines in Mexico are paying dividends.
In closing this chapter, it may be said that, if the tourist desires to visit the mines of the Republic, he will be treated with great courtesy by the superintendents and
- ↑ One steam-mill with improved machinery has been erected at Guanajuato.
