nificent mining works that has yet been planned in Mexico; the execution of which, although attended with considerable expence at the outset, would have proved highly advantageous to the interests of the shareholders, had proper provision been made for its completion. The mines of Tlalpujahua, having been worked at a time when the science of mining was in its infancy in Mexico, cannot be drained by machinery without a very considerable expence; it having been found necessary, in many instances, to begin by enlarging the shafts, in order to allow of the application of the larger horse-whims, (Malacates,) used in other districts. To remedy this inconvenience, as well as to obviate the disadvantages with which drainage, by a multiplicity of small adits unconnected with each other, could not fail to be attended, it was in contemplation to drain all the principal mines at once, by the construction of one immense adit, (Galerie d'écoulement,) for which the local peculiarities of the district seemed to offer extraordinary facilities. The ground was surveyed by the principal Engineer of the Company, Mr. Moro; and the opinion of the Director, (Mr. Rivafinoli,) with regard to the utility of the projected work, coinciding entirely with that of the Head Miner, (Mr. Burkart,) of whose indefatigable exertions it is impossible to speak too highly,—the line for this stupendous gallery was traced, and the work itself commenced early in 1826.
